How Did Maria Theresa Of Austria Set Out To Reform Local Government?

In terms of local government, the establishment of the Direktorium (an important government committee) led to an extension of bureaucracy. Maria Theresa and Haugwitz (her senior advisor) ailed both to end the power of the local "Diets" and to increase the income of the state.

They were careful to introduce the reforms gradually, so as not to cause revolt from the estates. Committees of civil servants were established to be responsible for recruitment into the army and the collection of taxes. Over time, their powers were extended to include road building, customs, and the peasants. In addition, a network of officials was created at local level responsible for the police, roads, schools and hospitals. The system of government was efficient and sympathetic to the needs of the local peasants. Maria Theresa ignored the protests of the local Diets who realised their power was becoming increasingly restricted. In the end, they became irrelevant and powerless.