11 Chapter -11 Four Years

As four years swiftly passed, significant developments unfolded in Bavaria's diplomatic and economic landscape.

During the visit of King William I of Württemberg to Munich, Bavaria entered into a customs union with the Kingdom of Württemberg. This union aimed to foster trade and strengthen economic ties between the two neighboring regions.

Simultaneously, an important mutual military alliance formed between Bavaria and Austria. This alliance solidified their commitment to aiding each other in the event of an enemy invasion on their lands. Bavaria, in return, pledged its support to Austria as the leader of a united Germany. As the part of the alliance, Austria promised economic support and free trade opportunities for Bavaria. This also opened an opportunity for Bavaria to learn and use Austrian Military technologies as a part of the alliance.

The alliance also held a promising future for Otto, as Austria expressed their intention to support him as the future King of Greece when opportunity would arise. In return, Bavaria pledged their backing to Austria's interests. Furthermore, Russia joined this support network by offering assistance to Otto in his claim to the Greek throne. In exchange, Greece, with Bavaria's endorsement, would forge a military alliance with Russia, while Bavaria would establish a trade agreement with the Russian Empire.

After that, France also made a trade agreement and military alliance with Bavaria in exchange of their support for Otto as the king Greece.

Due to Otto's good advice at their conversation, Ludwig succeeded to convince Baden and other small South German states to enter into a customs union with Bavaria. This union aimed to streamline trade and create a more prosperous economic environment for the participating regions. These alliances and trade agreements showcased Bavaria's growing influence and engagement in the political, military, and economic affairs of neighboring regions, paving the way for a dynamic and interconnected future.

As for Otto, His clothing business experienced a remarkable upswing, thanks to the extensive networks of his mother Therese's throughout the whole Germany. His clothing brand swiftly gained popularity among women of diverse backgrounds in major German cities. Encouraged by this success, Otto began contemplating expanding his clothing business beyond Germany, envisioning a presence throughout Europe.

Meanwhile, Otto's brewery garnered a reputation for its distinct and captivating flavors, captivating the taste buds of Munich residents at first. Recognizing the opportunity for growth, Otto considered acquiring breweries from small German states to broaden his brewing empire but then he started buying a lot of Breweries and integrated them into his own company. Now Otto's brewery Pschorr-Groll became one of the famous breweries in Germany.

Simultaneously, his spy network flourished, extending its reach throughout Bavaria, Württemberg, other small states in southern Germany, and even Austria. He also somehow expanded his influence in some Greek regions. However, Otto found himself surprised by the significant expenses incurred in maintaining and expanding his spy network. The costs surpassed his initial expectations, highlighting the need for greater financial resources to sustain and enhance his intelligence operations.

Despite the additional financial strain, Otto remained dead set on solidifying his influence in both the business and intelligence realms. He strategized a lot and sought ways to balance the growing expenses of his spy network while continuing to expand his clothing brand and brewery.

During these time, Otto, not only learned Greek language but also met with some Greek people especially some influential Greeks. His primary objective was to establish connections and convey his unwavering support for Greek independence, ultimately positioning himself as a potential ally to the Greek people. Otto aspired to cultivate a reputation as a devoted enthusiast of Greek culture, fully aware that this could greatly aid his ambitions when the time came to claim the Greek throne.

With his newfound genuine passion for Greek heritage, Otto engaged with Greek peoples and sought opportunities to immerse himself in their rich traditions. Through these interactions, he aimed to demonstrate his empathy, understanding, and genuine commitment to the cause of Greek independence. Otto understood that forging personal connections with influential Greeks would be beneficial for him in gathering support and establishing his credibility as a friend and ally to the Greek nation.

By positioning himself as a Greek enthusiast, Otto strategically laid the groundwork for his future aspirations. His goal was to build strong alliances and cultivate a positive image among the Greek people, a crucial foundation that would shape his journey toward claiming the Greek throne.

In 1830, he also started investing in wine and textile industries in Greece. In that same year, he met with Ioannis Kapodistrias and give him a sizable amount of donation for the greek government.

On that time, he also met with Theodoros Kolokotronis. After a lot of negotiations, Theodoros

agreed to become loyal to him.

Otto wanted Ioannis Kapodistrias became his loyal supporter so Otto saved him from assasination in 1831. Due to this, Ioannis became his loyal supporter and started working for him to solidify Otto's influence in Greece.

In 1829, Otto, recognizing the importance of military knowledge and leadership skills, made the decision to enrol in military academy in Munich, Bavaria. He wanted to acquire a comprehensive understanding of military tactics and strategies, and equip himself with the capabilities necessary to lead an army effectively on the battlefield, should the need arise.

Otto entrusted the management of his extensive business endeavours to his trusted butler, Michael. Knowing that his businesses would be in capable hands allowed Otto to fully focus on his military education without the burden of day-to-day operational concerns. During his time at the military academy, Otto immersed himself in intensive training, studying various aspects of warfare, including tactics, logistics, and command structures. He trained his skills in decision-making, strategic planning, and fostering discipline among troops. Additionally, he sought to learn from seasoned military leaders, eager to absorb their wisdom and experiences until he left the academy in 1830.

The international community was deeply divided on the issue of Greek independence in the early 19th century. Some countries, such as Britain and France, supported the Greek rebels, while others, such as Russia, were more hesitant. In September 1828, the three countries met on the island of Poros to discuss the issue. The conference lasted for several months, and on December 21, 1828, the ambassadors of Britain, Russia, and France signed a protocol that provided for the creation of an autonomous Greek state. The state would be ruled by a monarch, whose authority would be confirmed by a firman (decree) from the Ottoman Sultan. Soon afterward, Britain and France conceived the idea of an independent Greek state, trying to limit the influence of Russia on the new state. Russia disliked the idea but could not reject it, and consequently the three powers finally agreed to create an independent Greek state under their joint protection, concluding the protocols of 3 February 1830. As for who would be the Monarch, it should be initially Leopold, Prince of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and future king of Belgium but he rejected it.

During this time, Otto also got support from a lot of Greek influentials and in 1830, Russia, France and Austria started actively supporting him as a candidate of Greek throne. In 1831, Fourth National assembly of Nafpilon also supported Otto as the ruler of kingdom of Greece and passed the Constitution of 1831(which would come to be known as the "Hegemonic Constitution").

So, In April 1831, Palmerston convened the London Conference. The three Great Powers, Britain, France and Russia, offered the throne to the Bavarian prince, Otto of Wittelsbach; meanwhile, as co-guarantors of the monarchy, the Great Powers also agreed to guarantee a loan of 60 million francs to the new king, empowering their ambassadors in the Ottoman capital to secure the end of the war. Under the protocol signed on 2nd December 1831 between Bavaria and the protecting powers, Greece was defined as a "monarchical and independent state" but was to pay an indemnity to the Porte. Under the persuasion of Austria, Russia, Bavaria and France, Britain also agreed of revoking regency rule inside the protocol and let Otto rule as a monarch. Through the treaty of Constantinople and London Protocol, Greece became properly known as independent kingdom and Arta–Volos line 

became border of Greece. It also marked as the end of Greek Independence War.

It was also marked as the beginning of Otto's reign in Greece.