King Ludwig III ascended to the Bavarian throne in 1913. Even before his reign, the unconventional Wittelsbacher had made a name for himself politically as a convinced federalist and a promoter of economy and science. In addition, he managed an agricultural model estate for decades, which earned him the affectionate yet mocking nickname "Millibauer." However, the reign of this popular king was overshadowed by World War I. At the end of the devastating conflict, the monarchy fell during the November Revolution of 1918. Ludwig's tumultuous life story raises questions: Was the collapse of the kingdom rooted in his person and political agenda? Were there opportunities for the salvation and renewal of the monarchy?.