Second Mexican Empire

The Second Mexican Empire was a monarchy established during the French intervention in Mexico and ruled by Maximilian I from 1864 to 1867, until republican forces restored the republic.

French intervention in Mexico: A French military campaign in Mexico from 1862 to 1867 that installed Maximilian I as emperor. French occupation made the monarchy possible and supplied its military backing.
Maximilian I of Mexico: An Austrian archduke who ruled Mexico as emperor from 1864 until his execution in 1867. His acceptance of the crown gave the empire its monarch.
Benito Juárez: A Mexican Liberal politician and president who led the republican government during the French intervention. Juárez’s government remained the empire’s principal Mexican rival.
Battle of Puebla: A Mexican victory over French forces on May 5, 1862, during the French intervention. The battle delayed the invasion but did not prevent France from establishing the empire.
Republican Restoration in Mexico: The return of Mexico’s republican government after the defeat of Maximilian’s empire in 1867. The republic regained national authority when imperial resistance collapsed.
Reform War: A Mexican civil war from 1857 to 1861 between Liberal and Conservative forces over the constitution and church-state relations. Its unresolved political divisions helped conservatives seek a monarchy backed by France.
French Army: The land forces of France, which fought abroad and at home under the French state. French troops sustained the empire against republican forces.
Carlota of Mexico: A Belgian princess who became empress of Mexico as the wife of Maximilian I. She defended the imperial cause diplomatically in Europe as French support weakened.
Battle of Miahuatlán: A republican victory led by Porfirio Díaz over imperial forces in Oaxaca in 1866. The victory strengthened republican control in southern Mexico as French support receded.
Cinco de Mayo: A Mexican holiday commemorating the victory over French forces at Puebla on May 5, 1862. Its commemoration recalls the conflict that preceded the empire’s establishment.

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