The finances and the judicial system were reorganised, a class of civil servants and a national militia founded, and several small districts were brought under the duke's authority. The result was a unity and order in the duchy which enabled Maximilian to play an important part in the Thirty Years' War; during the earlier years of which he was so successful as to acquire the Upper Palatinate and the electoral dignity which had been enjoyed since 1356 by the elder branch of the Wittelsbach family.
The finances and judicial framework were restructured, a class of civil employees and a national militia established, and several small regions brought under the duke's jurisdiction. This led to stability and cohesion in the duchy, allowing Maximilian to play a significant role in the Thirty Years' War; during which he achieved considerable success, acquiring the Upper Palatinate and the electoral status previously held by the elder branch of the Wittelsbach family.