The Reform of the Bureaucracy

Maria Theresa determined from the outset of her reign that the Habsburg monarchy would never again be perceived as too weak to defend itself. Consequently, even while the war was under way she had been studying reforms, and when it ended she immediately began implementing them. First and foremost was the reform of the army. Maria Theresa realized, however, that no military reform would be effective without financial reform and in this area, advised by the brilliant Friedrich Wilhelm, Count von Haugwitz, she achieved her perhaps greatest accomplishments. Following the military and financial reforms other changes came, generally in administrative matters. Although these reforms were subjected too many modifications and changes throughout Maria Theresa's reign and after, the result was a government far more centralized than it had ever been before.