How did the rule of Maria Theresa change the Austrian Empire?

Answer 1

Essentially, Maria Theresa realized that Austria had lost effectiveness and efficiency compared to other European states -especially their rival, Prussia. To respond, she consolidated chancellories, streamlined taxes, increased the army, and created a supreme court to administer justice.

Later, after her husband died, she championed vaccinations, reforms for serfs, mandatory education, and abolishing the death penalty in favor of forced labor.