The World of Work in the Habsburg Banat (1716–51/53): Early Concepts of State-Based Social and Healthcare Schemes for Imperial Staff and Relatives

Abstract

Nowadays employment in the civil service is often considered a well-nurtured, relatively well-paid position and a “safe” way to earn a living that is not overly stressful. In addition, a lucrative civil servant's pension is seen to ensure a leisurely retirement with medical insurance. However, this widespread assumption is based on misconceptions and obscures the reality of its conditions and circumstances. This article analyzes how the Habsburg state in the first half of the eighteenth century implemented modern concepts and ideas of social security and health in connection with public welfare and to support imperial officials. It focuses in particular on office-bearers employed in the Habsburg province Banat of Temeswar and their close relatives.