The Fall of the Dynasties: The Collapse of the Old Order: 1905-1922

by Edmond Taylor

When the revolution erupted the Bavarian King, Ludwig, the sedate, burgher-like descendant of the magnificent Ludwig I — Lola Montez’s admirer — and of the mad Ludwig II, was walking with his daughters in the English Garden, a long narrow park which extended its well-kept lawns, artificial lakes, cascades, gazebos, and kiosks to the north of the Royal Residence, on the opposite side of town from the Theresienwiese. He was accosted by one of his subjects who respectfully but urgently advised him to go back to his palace. There he learned from his ministers that a republic had been proclaimed. He and his family packed some hand baggage and left the city by automobile, unaccompanied and unmolested. They took up abode in Berchtesgaden, and on November 13 Ludwig formally abdicated, releasing all Bavarian officials and soldiers from their oath of allegiance. Thus the Wittelsbach dynasty became the first to capitulate to the new order in Germany. As Kurt Eisner said: “The Wittelsbachs ruled over Bavaria for seven hundred years. I got rid of them in seven hours with seven men.”