The Last Emperor of Mexico

Emperor Maximilian I was the first and last ruler of the Second Mexican Empire—but his history is so much more sordid than even his doomed title implies. Beginning life as a coddled Austrian Prince, Maximilian rose through the royal ranks through bitter jealousy, overweening ambition, and searing entitlement. Yet all it took for his downfall was one brutal betrayal.

[nomdeguerre]

Maximilian was doomed the moment Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox. Rather than permitting Sheridan, one of his most fiery commanders, celebrate the victory on the Union, Grant ordered him and a large force, to move close to the Mexican border. The United States government began supplying arms and supplies to Juarez openly on a large scale. Napoleon III got the message, and withdrew his troops from Mexico.

[BrendaMartinez-vkqo]

I went to his castle in Trieste, Italy. Miramare Castle is so beautiful and situated on the edge of ocean. He gave it all up just to be executed in Mexico.

[ToriiDawdy]

Well done ! I live in Texas and often have the opportunity to discuss imexican history . The time France invaded is well remembered. Cheers to the many wonderful Mexican historians ! I have always enjoyed your work.

[mnk]

Maximilian I was by far the most liberal monarch easily a century ahead of all his contemporaries, a highly capable administrator and a huge champion for the rights of the indiginous peoples. He made it a point to speak both Spanish as well as Nahuatl and frequently went out to speak with the villagers to get the real picture of what they need. He reached out to the Liberals time and time again, even going so far as to offering Benito Juárez the job of Prime Minister. It's a shame this great man was lied to, betrayed and backstabbed by the very men who wanted him as a puppet for their own profane goals...

[tamer]

Maximillian's behavior at the end certainly was honorable. The treament of his remains and artifacts associated with his death wasn't his dishonor, but the dishonor of those who took part. He also declined the honor of standing in the center of the group about to be executed, but insisted instead that that honor go to one of his loyal Generals who was sentenced to die with him.

[Obleo]

Maximilian last words were more noble than infamous

[xhagast]

He died as an emperor should. And why not? When you know you must go, go well. It costs you nothing and you are remembered as a man.

[RaccoonHenry]

if you come to Mexico, you can visit the castle where they lived (Castillo de Chapultepec, shown here but not named) and the place he was executed, both very interesting and worth the time!!

[alanwerner]

For the longest time I had possession of the Empress Carlotta’s precious Broadwood piano, while her distant heirs fought about what to do with the thing. It was accompanied by a large valise/file containing much publicity/articles about this story and related matters. One of the cooler projects I’ve been involved in

[stevehomer]

The 1939 movie "Juarez" is an oscar winning dramatization of the Emperor Maxilimillan's story. I highly recommend a viewing as it has great performances by Paul Muni, Betty Davis and Brian Aherene.

[MrArthoz]

Quoting Studio C: "Aim for my heart, men! You can't break what's already broken.".

[rgi]

His biggest mistake was trusting the french 😂😂😂

[LenaFerrari]

A very good take of this part of history (from empress Carlota's perspective) is on the video "empress Carlota of Mexico and the habsburg mexican empire" (something like this) by Lindsay Holiday (history tea time). Worth watching. It's complementary to this one, since focus on a different "character"

[Sowhat]

If you line up the dates the rumor that Napoleon’s son (the Duke of Reichstadt) fathered Maximillian is possible. Sophie was treated like trash by the Hapsburg court, and purportedly played house in her chambers with the Duke of Reichstadt the year before she had Maxmillan. Napoleon’s son died of tuberculosis the month before Maxmillan was born. That could be the reason Franz-Joseph hated his brother who wasn’t really his brother. It also could explain Napoleon III’s interest in making Maxmillan the Emperor of Mexico. Makes sense to me.

[angelasoto]

Maximilian was a good Emperor, he behaved honorably at the end. Tragic circumstances and the agony of defeat.

[georgeholguin]

You are the only person I have ever heard call her Charlotte. Her Spanish name was Carlota, the name she took as Mexican empress. Charlotte was a Belgian princess. Carlota embraced Mexico as did Maximiliano. Benito Juarez had his own agenda. By executing Maximiliano he was insuring his own political survival. By getting rid of Maximilaino by firing squad he was showing that he could get rid of any opposition the same way. Maximiliano and Carlota were probably the best political chance Mexico had, but Mexico has traditionally passed up good opportunities.

[jjww]

I just assumed he asked his friends to erase his browser history.

[kichigan]

Thanks. This is very interesting and informative. I knew next to nothing about the Last Emperor of Mexico.

[santimarxer]

Emperor Maximilian and Emperess Carlotta are some of the most illustruous and noble characters in Mexican history. Few mexicans have loved Mexico as much as they did, and for that, they should be appreciated.

[MarkMcCummins]

Mark McCummins
An interesting, yet melancholy story with a treacherous background. Maximilian was more than Napoleon IIIs stooge; Napoleon had a different goal entirely.

Both Great Britain and France were awash with their victory over Russia just 7 years before the American War Between the States. When this war broke out, both Great Britain and France supported the Confederacy. What France was doing in Mexico was their attempt at a foothold on the border of the Confederacy. Had the war gone the way of the South, France could have supplied them from Mexico. Notice that barely one year after the Confederate surrender Napoleon III abandoned this venture in Mexico. Doubtless Maximilian gave little thought to the end of the American Civil War, despite this being the only reason that he was Emperor of Mexico. This is tragic indeed.