Maximilian Joseph of Austria-Este, nephew of the Austrian Emperor, became one of the most influential figures of the 19th century through his commitment to various fields of social and religious life. As Grand Master, he led the Teutonic Order to new prosperity and shaped its present form by reviving the sister branch and establishing priestly convents. He founded schools, hospitals, and homes for the care of the poor and sick, and promoted the education of young women. In Austria, he is known for the construction of the Linz defensive towers as part of a comprehensive military protective ring. As a patron of the Jesuits, Redemptorists, and Sisters of Mercy, he holds a lasting place in the history of Upper Austria. In the Salzkammergut region, his willingness to help in social emergencies is still praised today, and he has since been regarded as the "good Archduke.".