Despite Ludwig's reluctance to support the Unification of Germany, Bavaria and 21 other monarchies became part of the new German Empire ( Deutsches Reich), with Wilhelm I, the King of Prussia and Ludwig's cousin, as the German Emperor ( Deutscher Kaiser). However, in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, Bavaria sided with Prussia in their successful war against France. Two years later, Bavaria and Austria fought a war against Prussia lasting only a matter of weeks, which they lost. Ludwig ascended to the throne in 1864 at the age of 18. He also held the titles of Count Palatine of the Rhine, Duke of Bavaria, Duke of Franconia, and Duke in Swabia. He is sometimes called the Swan King or der Märchenkönig ('the Fairy Tale King'). Ludwig II (Ludwig Otto Friedrich Wilhelm 25 August 1845 – 13 June 1886) was King of Bavaria from 1864 until his death in 1886.
