Alternative History
Kingdom of Bavaria
Königreich Bayern
Timeline: Triple Entente vs. Central Powers (Map Game)

OTL equivalent: Bavaria
Flag Coat of Arms
Flag Coat of Arms
Anthem "Königsstrophe"
Capital
(and largest city)
Munich
Other cities Nurnberg,
Religion
  main
 
Roman Catholic
  others Evangelical
Demonym Bavarian
Government Constitutional Monarchy
  Legislature Landtag
King of Bavaria
  Royal house: Wittelsbach
First Minister Friederich Krafft von Crailshelm
Area 75,865 km²
Population 6,524,000 
Established 1806
Currency German Goldmark
Organizations German Empire

The Kingdom of Bavaria is a semi-autonomous member-state of the German Empire, second in size and population only to the Kingdom of Prussia. Bavaria consists of two separate and unequal parts: Bavaria and the Palatinate. 

The history of Bavaria stretches back to the 6th century stem-duchy. In the 17th century, the Wittelsbach Dukes were elevated to Prince-Electors of the Holy Roman Empire. With Napoleon's dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, Bavaria was elevated to a Kingdom, and greatly expanded its territory. A member of the German Confederation from 1814, Bavaria fought with Austria against Prussia in the Seven Week's War of 1866. Fighting alongside Prussia in the war against France, Bavaria joined the Prussian-led German Empire in 1871.

History[]

Government[]

Bavaria is a member state of the German Empire that enjoys significant levels of autonomy due to its status as second-largest and second most powerful state. During peace time, the Royal Bavarian Army remains under the complete control of the Bavarian government, with the Imperial General Staff taking strategic - but not administrative - control during war time. Bavarian soldiers swear allegiance to the King of Bavaria, rather than the Emperor. In addition, Bavaria's autonomous status leaves railways, the postal service, factories, and breweries under the Bavarian government's control, as well as allowing it to retain its own separate consular service overseas. 

The government of Bavaria operates as a constitutional monarchy, with the King as head of state. Legislative power is vested in the bicameral Bavarian Landtag. The upper house, the Herrenhaus, consists of princes of the House of Wittelsbach, members of high-standing noble families, leaders of the Catholic and Evangelical churches, and members nominated by the King. All members of the Herrenhaus hold their position for life. The lower house, the Landtag, is elected by taxpaying males over the age of 21. Members pf the Landtag hold their positions for six-year terms. 

Kings[]

Since the Kingdom's establishment in 1806, there have been numerous kings:

  • Maximilian I Joseph (1805-1825)
  • Ludwig I (1825-1848)
  • Maximilian II (1848-1864)
  • Ludwig II (1864-1886)
  • Otto (1886-1902)
    • Luitpold, Prince-Regent 1886-1902
  • Luitpold (1902-present)

All the kings since 1806 have been members of the ancient House of Wittelsbach. 

Footnotes[]