Bavarian Rule

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Bavarian Rule (Greek Βαυαροκρατία) was the period in Greek history, from the arrival of young King Otto to Greece until June 13, 1835, when he attained majority.

When Otto was chosen by the Great Powers to rule Greece, his father, King Ludwig I of Bavaria, sent along a delegation of three of his officials to rule in Otto's name until such time as the King attained majority. These men were: Count Josef Ludwig von Armansperg, Karl von Abel and Georg Ludwig von Maurer.

The rule of this delegation was not a pleasant one for the Greek people as they often ruled with absolute authority, answering to no one. Many fighters of the Greek War of Independence who resented their autocracy were brought up on charges, tried and imprisoned. Many popular officials were removed from office as they were not deemed loyal enough to King Otto. Infighting also broke out among the three men of the delegation and von Abel and von Maurer were eventually sent home at the request of von Armansperg.

On June 13, 1835 the "Bavarian Rule" came to an end much to the relief of most Greek people. However, the liberal, democratic rule which they had sought in the Revolution against the Turks would not come for several years...