Maximilian

Maximilian (1832–1867), emperor of Mexico from 1864 until his death. An Austrian archduke, he was given the throne by the French emperor Napoleon III, who hoped to extend his empire. Maximilian believed that the Mexicans would welcome him and attempted to rule liberally and benevolently, but found French troops essential against popular support for President Benito Juárez. After the troops withdrew (1866–67), Maximilian was defeated by Juárez's forces and executed.