Maximilian | Biography, Emperor of Mexico, Facts & Death
Maximilian (born Ferdinand Maximilian Joseph, on July 6, 1832, in Vienna, - died on June 19. 1867, in Querétaro City) was the only monarch of the Second Mexican Empire (1863-1867). He was the younger brother of Emperor Francis I of Austria.After a distinguished career in the Austrian navy, he accepted Napoleon III's offer from France to ascend to the Mexican throne. The French had invaded Mexico in the winter of 1861, as part of international armed intervention.Trying to legitimize his dominance in part of the Americas, Napoleon III invited Maximilian to occupy the Mexican throne. He was supported by the French army and Mexican conservatives who were unhappy with President Benito Juárez's liberal administration.Maximiliano declared himself Emperor of Mexico on April 10, 1864. H...