Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico: The Ill-Fated Habsburg Monarch

Maximilian has been described as brave, loyal and committed. He has also been described as politically-short sighted, hapless and naive. So who was he and what happened to Emperor Maximilian of Mexico? His life, intertwined with political upheaval, ambition, and fate, stands as a captivating tale of royalty thrust into the chaos of the New World.

In the mid-nineteenth century, the political climate of the Austrian Empire was characterised by the rise of nationalism, regional tensions, and the growing influence of revolutionary ideas. Amidst this social environment, Maximilian found himself caught between the traditional values of the Habsburg dynasty and the winds of change sweeping across Europe.

At the same time, Mexico was beset by political instability and foreign intervention, and Maximilian was offered a bizarre choice. Drift in Europe or reign in Mexico. His decision ultimately cost him his life. His emperorship, though fleeting, serves as a testament to the ambitions and complexities of empire-building, the delicate balance between personal aspirations and historical forces, and the enduring allure of royal narratives.

Join us as we embark on a captivating exploration of the life and times of this enigmatic ruler. We’ll also discover what happened to Emperor Maximilian of Mexico.

He was born in the Schönbrunn Palace as Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian Joseph Maria of Austria in 1832, to Archduke Franz Karl and Princess Sophia of Bavaria. Raised in the lavish court of Vienna within the aristocratic confines of the ruling Habsburg dynasty, the upbringing of Emperor Maximilian of Mexico was steeped in privilege and imperial customs.

However, behind the ornate facade of his aristocratic existence lay a period of profound political transformation. The ideals of revolution and nationalism had begun to reshape the very foundations of power throughout Europe.

In 1848, Maximilian’s brother Franz Joseph ascended to the Austrian throne. During this period, Maximilian himself joined the Empire’s navy. In 1854 at the age of twenty-two, he was named as the navy’s Commander-in-Chief.

In March 1856, the future Habsburg emperor of Mexico was summoned to a meeting in Paris by Emperor Napoleon III and a delegation from Mexico. It was a meeting which would set in motion a series of events, and within eleven years would culminate in Maximilian’s execution.

In the meantime, the soon-to-be-installed Maximilian I of Mexico married Charlotte of Belgium in July 1857. She was known as Carlota, the Spanish version of her name.

The Viceroy of Lombardy-Venetia

In February 1857, Maximilian was appointed viceroy of Lombardy-Venetia, an Italian-speaking corner of the Austrian Empire, and took up his post in September of the same year. The viceroy and his new wife lived for the most part in the Royal Palace of Milan.

Their time there was marked by efforts to govern the region under Austrian rule with a sense of fairness, moderation, and a desire for modernisation. He aimed to bridge the gap between the Austrian authorities and the Italian population, implementing reforms to improve infrastructure, education, and agricultural practices. Despite his genuine intentions, his rule faced resistance from nationalist movements and strained relations with the Italian population.

He was effectively fired from his post by his brother in April 1859. Within a very short space of time he was approached with an offer to become the Emperor of Mexico. An approach he turned down because he believed that the people of Mexico should have a say in who ruled them. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to rule, but rather he believed in the principle of popular sovereignty.

In the mid-19th century, Mexico experienced a period of political instability and internal conflict, following its struggle for independence from Spain. The nation faced economic challenges, regional divisions, and a series of wars and interventions that further destabilised the country. Napoleon, harbouring ambitions of expanding French influence and securing economic opportunities in the Americas, believed that installing a monarchy in Mexico would serve both French interests and provide a semblance of stability to the nation.

After discussions with Mexican conservatives, who were disillusioned with the incumbent president Benito Juárez, Napoleon III convinced them that a European monarch would bring stability, unite the country, and bring economic prosperity.

In 1863, with Mexico now under French military occupation, Napoleon III successfully persuaded Maximilian and his wife, Carlota, to accept the roles of Emperor and Empress of Mexico, assuring them of French military support.

Maximilian, enticed by the prospect of adventure, the allure of empire, and the chance to leave his mark on history, agreed to become Maximilian I of Mexico. He envisioned a progressive and prosperous Mexico, where he could implement reforms, modernise institutions, and foster economic development. Maximilian believed that his presence would reconcile Mexico’s political factions and bridge the divides within society.

Maximilian agreed to become the Habsburg emperor of Mexico, but asked that it be approved by the Mexican public. He accepted the offer to become emperor only after this questionable public vote – influenced by fraud and French military presence – showed apparent support for him.

The new emperor, Maximilian I of Mexico, and his wife were crowned at the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral and lived overlooking the city in Chapultepec Castle.

While he enjoyed initial support, it was not long before his rule faced significant challenges. Many Mexicans saw him as a foreign invader and resented the intervention of European powers in their affairs. As time passed, the French military presence dwindled, and Maximilian’s authority weakened. With power eroding, he was on his own.

Carlota returned to Europe to beg anyone who would listen for help, including the Austrians, the French and even Pope Pius IX in Rome.

Despite the genuine efforts of Maximilian to introduce reforms and enact progressive policies, his rule faced constant opposition and insurmountable challenges, ultimately leading to his downfall and tragic demise.

By 1866, he had no army to speak of – it was reported he had less than 10,000 men – and while he considered abdicating he felt that he couldn’t desert ‘his people’.

Mexico City was attacked by 40,000 troops led by generals Mariano Escobedo and Ramón Corona. Despite fierce fighting, the city fell in May 1867. Maximilian of Mexico was captured and imprisoned.

Maximilian was charged with conspiring to overthrow the Mexican government and a sham trial was held at the Teatro Iturbide of Querétaro. He was found guilty after one day and sentenced to death.

On June 19th 1867 at 6.40am, Maximilian I of Mexico was executed by firing squad on a hill called Cerro de las Campanas, just outside Querétaro City. His loyal generals Tomás Mejía and Miguel Miramón were killed alongside him.

The last words of Emperor Maximilian of Mexico are a matter of conjecture, but generally said to have been: ‘I forgive everyone, and I ask everyone to forgive me. May my blood which is about to be spilled end the bloodshed which has been experienced in my new motherland. Long live Mexico! Long live its independence!’

Carlota never returned to Mexico and spent the remainder of her life in seclusion after her husband was killed. She died in 1927.

Beyond his dramatic narrative, the legacy of Maximilian, emperor of Mexico endures as a testament to the complexities of power and the forces of destiny. His life resonates as a cautionary tale, a symbol of the ephemeral nature of empire, and a testament to the unyielding pursuit of personal convictions.