Vienna reacts

and sends soldiers

The uprising caused great excitement in Vienna. A commissioner of enquiry with 300 foot soldiers and 30 horsemen was sent to the Salzkammergut to punish the guilty and enforce the changes.

The workers' rebellion became dangerous, as some officials saw the harsh actions of the Viennese Court Chamber as unfavourable. Some officials openly or secretly supported the workers and contributed to the rebellion.

The investigating commissioner reported that most of the labourers quickly and remorsefully returned to work. When the military withdrew in April 1749, the labourers were expressly advised to continue to be obedient and to follow the instructions of the salt officer.

Until 1753, salt workers regularly received their wages on Saturdays after the Wochenrait. In Ischl, the miners also rested on Saturdays instead of preparing for the coming week. Instead, they spent Saturday evenings in inns and exhausted their earnings. On Monday, tired and often without money, they began their arduous labour all over again.