In 1818, as already intimated, the new constitution came into existence, but owing to various causes, it did not secure that measure of popular freedom and content ment that had been expected. In 1825, Louis I. ascended the throne. He was a well-meaning, liberal, and intellectual monarch, and was favorable to the liberty of the people and the press; but he lavished the wealth of tile kingdom to an extrava gant degree on the embellishment of the capital, and ou works of art, while he neglected to a considerable extent works of practical value, that would have tended to enrich the country, diminish the public burdens, and consequently increase the wel fare of his people. In 1830, a wave from the French revolution swept over the country, disturbing its equanimity, but not to any serious extent. The Bavarian government, however, took alarm. and restricted the freedom of the press. These restrictions excited so much opposition, that they were soon after rescinded, but new dissatisfaction was created by the imposition of new taxes. The Jesuits now obtained
an immense influence with the king, which they used to the detriment of popular rights. The wrath of the people was further aroused against their monarch by his con nection with the notorious Lola Montez, who was looked upon as an agent of the Ultra montanists—an imputation which that latly, in her autobiography, published in 1858, indignantly repudiates, maintaining that she was the inveterate enemy of that party, and the true friend of the people. In March, 1848, following the example set by the French revolutionists. the people of Munich seized the arsenal, and demanded reforms and the expulsion of Lola Montez. The king had to consent; but in the same month he abdicated his throne, in accordance, says Lola Montez. with a promise made by him to her. His son. Maximilian II., ascended the throne. lie (lied in 1S64; and Louis II., a distinguished patron of Wagner, the great musician, now reigns. See GERMANY.