Why did Leopold II restore Hungary’s ancient constitution in 1790?

Leopold II restored Hungary’s ancient constitution in 1790 primarily because the country was on the brink of open revolt following the controversial and centralizing policies of his predecessor, Joseph II.12

During his reign, Joseph II had bypassed traditional Hungarian governance by refusing to undergo a coronation, which would have required him to swear an oath to uphold the constitution. He further alienated the Hungarian nobility by centralizing administration, replacing Latin with German as the language of government, and attempting to tax all estates equally. These actions, combined with the pressures of an unpopular foreign war, led to widespread resistance and demands from the Hungarian nobility for the restoration of their traditional rights.132

Upon his accession, Leopold II recognized the instability within the Habsburg realm and was obliged to restore the ancient constitution to appease the nobility and prevent further insurrection. By doing so, he committed to treating Hungary as an independent kingdom to be governed strictly in accordance with its own laws and customs.12