End of Royalty

The end of World War I also brought the end to royalty in Germany. Bavaria at this point transitioned into a republic and became known as the Free State of Bavaria. However, instead of doing away entirely with a coat of arms which had always been a symbol of royal and/or religious power, the new government re-purposed it. This allowed them to maintain centuries-old ties to the regions while at the same time show that their power was invested by the people.

Thus, they kept most of the same symbols. The Veldenz lion, however, had to go as this city is not in Bavaria. Also, concerning Swabia, they decided to replace the coat of arms from the Margravate of Burgau with the 3 lions from the Staufer family’s coat of arms.

More importantly, they retained a crown on top. However, instead of representing royalty, they termed it a “People’s Crown” to show that the power emanated from the people.

Freistaat Bayern post-WWI

Bayerischer Weiß-Blau

Pfälzischer Löwe

Volkskrone

3 Löwen aus Staufer für Schwaben (aus dem Bistum Würzburg)

Fränkischer Rechen

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