Maximilian I Joseph was the King of Bavaria from 1806 until his death in 1825. He was born on May 28, 1756, and became the first king of Bavaria after the region was elevated from a duchy to a kingdom during the Napoleonic Wars. His reign is noted for significant reforms in administration, education, and the military. Maximilian was a patron of the arts and sciences, promoting cultural development in Bavaria. He also played a crucial role in the establishment of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and the University of Munich, which contributed to the region's intellectual growth during the 19th century.