Reforms in Austria and Habsburg: Addressing Weaknesses in the 18th Century

👑 Maria Theresa's reign in the Habsburg Monarchy was seen as largely positive, despite the difficulties she faced after her father's death and the challenge to the Pragmatic Sanction.

✨ The reforms implemented by Maria Theresa and Joseph II aimed to modernize various aspects of the state and improve government effectiveness.

🌍 The Austrian War of Succession and the Peace of Aachen in 1748 led to the recognition of the Pragmatic Sanction and established Maria Theresa's rule as legitimate.

📜 Maria Theresia and Joseph II implemented reforms in Austria and Habsburg in the 18th century to address the significant weaknesses in administration, economy, and military.

🔍 The reforms were influenced by Enlightenment ideas and included professionalization of administration, religious tolerance, secularization, abolishment of serfdom, and abolishment of torture.

👥 Important figures involved in the reforms were Friedrich Wilhelm von Haugwitz in administration, Wenzel Anton Kaunitz as the chancellor, and Leopold von Daun in the military.

📜 Maria Theresia and Joseph II implemented important reforms in Austria and the Habsburg Empire in the 18th century.

⚔️ They focused on strengthening the Austrian military, including increasing the size and training of the army.

💰 To fund their reforms, they also implemented economic measures such as abolishing privileges and serfdom.

📈 Reforms focused on creating a unified economic area, including the abolition of beekeeping and increased import tariffs.

🏗️ Investments were made in infrastructure, such as road and canal construction, and improvements in the postal system.

🌍 Efforts were made to increase the population through improved living conditions and the recruitment of settlers.

💰 New taxes, including the introduction of general taxation for the nobility and clergy, were implemented to boost revenue.

📚 Data collection initiatives, such as the Theresian Cadastre, were undertaken for effective taxation and establishment of property records.

🔑 One important reform was the centralization of administration, aiming to professionalize the bureaucracy and eliminate the influence of social classes.

💼 A hierarchical administrative structure was established, with central authorities resembling modern ministries, overseeing regions and districts.

⚖️ Furthermore, reforms were implemented in the areas of foreign policy and justice, focusing on centralization, professionalization, and unification of laws.

📝 Reforms of Maria Theresa and Joseph II in 18th century Austria-Hungary.

⚖️ Unified criminal law and initiated the drafting of a civil code.

🏫 Implemented general compulsory education and reformed universities.

👑 Under the rule of Joseph II, reforms were made to the Austrian state and church, including the closure of unproductive monasteries and the establishment of the Vienna Hospital.

🏰 A third of the monasteries in Austria were affected by the reforms, with the Jesuits being particularly impacted.

⛪ The church in Austria underwent restructuring to improve efficiency in pastoral care, including the introduction of state-led priest seminaries.