The Kingdom of Bavaria (1805–1918)

Bavaria is one of the oldest European state entities and the largest state in Germany in terms of area. It dates back to about 500 A.D., when the Roman Empire was destroyed by the onslaught of Germanic tribes.

The Bavarian tribe had descended from the Romans who remained in the country, the original Celtic population and the Germanic invaders.

The fourth Peace of Pressburg was signed in Pressburg on 27 December 1805. By signing the Peace of Pressburg, it allowed Maximillian to raise Bavaria to the status d a kingdom and proclaimed himself king on 1 January 1806.

During the reign of Ludwig I (1825 - 1848), Munich became a cultural and science center of Germany. Poets, painters, architects and scientists were summoned to the capital from all over Germany. The King also promoted trade and industry. Under his reign the construction of the railway network was started in 1835, commencing with the Nürnberg-Fürth line.

Maximilian II son of Ludwig I continued the work of his father, and he initiated social and political reforms, and was a great promoter of the sciences.

In 1866, the Bavarian kingdom had fought in alliance with Austria and suffered a defeat at the hands of the victorious Prussia.

In the war of 1870-71, the Bavarian army joined Prussia, under the command of the Prussian Crown Prince, against France.

In 1918 Bavaria becomes a Free State. Between 1933-1945 Bavaria loses its independence as a state under the National Socialists.
The Kingdom of Bavaria (1805–1918)