Maximilian I of Mexico

The random rabbit hole of the week

Background context on this rabbit holen

I have recently been binging Die Kaiserin on Netflix about Empress Sisi of Austria. There was a scene where the character of Napoleon III met with Archduke Maximillian and they spoke about an interest in the Americas and Mexico. This scene sent me down a huge rabbit hole this week. Growing up I was told stories of there being an Emperor of Mexico but it never occured to me that it would be the same Maximillian I was casually learning about on screen, so naturally I wanted to know how he ended up in Mexico and as Emperor.

How Monarchy was established in Mexico

Apparently there was a group of Mexican monarchists that approached him in France with a plan. Since he was a descendant of a King of Spain, that made him the perfect candidate.

Here's a video explaining more

Max was a liberal

It is surprising to learn the Maxmillian was quite liberal and had a lot of positive contributions to Mexico.

His Contributions

Supported the construction of roads and railways to improve communication and trade.
Attempted to address inequality in land ownership, proposing redistribution to improve the livelihoods of peasants and indigenous communities
Advocated for protecting the communal lands of indigenous people
Advocated for constitutional monarchy with democratic elements, such as civil liberties and representative government.
Supported racial and social equality, opposing discrimination against indigenous and mixed-race Mexicans.