Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria belongs to the political record as a figure whose decisions outlasted the moment that produced them.
The record lists Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria as King of Bavaria.
Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria was born at Schwetzingen in 1756. His recorded nationality is Electorate of Bavaria.
Revolution and constitution-writing defined this period; the question of who counts as a citizen was opened and only partly answered.
The record of office reads: Prince-Elector (1799–1806), King of Bavaria (1806–1825) and Prince-Elector (1799–1806).
He is described as aristocrat, art collector and statesperson.
Political reputations are settled slowly, and rarely by the people who made them.
Recognition followed: Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece (1825), Order of St. Andrew and Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Joseph.
That the career was made in Electorate of Bavaria is not incidental: the institutions available, the franchise, and the constraints of the moment all shaped what could be attempted.
Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria died in 1825, aged 69. The assessment continues, as it does for anyone who held power - which is the ordinary fate of a political life.
Achievements
- Prince-Elector (1799–1806)
- King of Bavaria (1806–1825)
- Prince-Elector (1799–1806)
- duke (1795–1797)
- Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
- Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece — 1825
- Order of St. Andrew
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Joseph
