Today, 454 years ago, on January 11, 1571 (December 16, 1570), the Austrian aristocracy began to enjoy religious freedom. Austria was originally a nation of Catholic faith, and the Austrian monarch Maria Theresa (1740-1780) implemented the "illumination monarchy", reformed to revitalize the country and consolidate the rule of the family. In 1749, a decree issued that allowed foreigners to move freely to Austria, granted tax and religious freedom, and formulated municipal regulations favouring the development of the main foreign factories. The state established scholarships to reward new inventions and the start of new enterprises. At the same time, the state sent technicians abroad by officials, prohibiting the expansion of skilled workers.