The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07.
Maximilian II, 1811–64, king of Bavaria
1811–64, king of Bavaria (1848–64), son and successor of Louis I. He had liberal tendencies and was a patron of art and learning. He hoped to create a union of small German states under Bavarian leadership as a counterweight to Austrian and Prussian influence in German affairs, but he was unable to do so. His son, Louis II, succeeded him.
