What was napoleon iii and maximilian mission

Although the British and Spanish governments had more limited plans for intervention, Napoleon III was interested in reviving French global ambitions, and French forces captured Mexico City, while Spanish and British forces withdrew after French plans became clear. Maximilian accepted the offer and arrived in Mexico in In response to these actions, Secretary of State Seward issued statements of disapproval, but the U. Government was unable to intervene directly because of the American Civil War.

Moreover, both Seward and U. The U. Government also rejected overtures from other Latin American countries for a pan-American solution to the conflict. Maximilian, ill-informed on Mexican affairs prior to his arrival, alienated his Conservative allies by attempting to adopt more Liberal policies, while he failed to win over Liberals, who saw him as a tool of French interests and Mexican Conservatives.

Meanwhile, U. Generals Ulysses S. As Maximilian's physician and confidant, Basch provides the reader with insights into the final enigmatic months of the life and reign of "that noble and unhappy Prince. Basch's goal was to give "full insight" into Maximilian's "feelings and thoughts" and at the same time remain "unprejudiced.

Historian and linguist Fred Ullman, a descendant of Basch's sister, was drawn to the story by his family connection. Ullman translated the memoirs and added a number of excellent photos, maps, and notes, which were not in Hugh McAden Oechler's English translation, now out of print. Basch provides glimpses into the personalities of men who were important in the French Army of Occupation, as well as those in the imperial and republican governments and armies.

In chapter 2, Basch offers his views of the Mexican people and their politics. Intolerant to the highest degree. Above all, he is intolerant of everything foreign.

The emperor believed naively that he had the support of the majority of the Mexican people. Even after the French army departed, he thought he could hold on to power. Basch details how various government officials acted out of self-interest, and despite the hopelessness of the imperial cause, appealed to Maximilian's sense of honor and convinced him not to abdicate. The final chapter is devoted to the defense of the emperor at the court martial.

View manifest View in Mirador. Description This relief print from The Magazine of Art dramatically illustrates the final moments before the execution of the Mexican Emperor Maximilian I in Despite a major victory by Mexican forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, , the French seized control of large sections of Mexico, including the capital.

Maximilian was initially supported by Mexican conservatives in a backlash against the changes instituted by the Mexican War of Reform — However, once on the throne, his support of a free press, open universities, land reform, and other progressive ideas of the day proved to be out of step with his conservative constituency and the Catholic Church. Menaced by the government of the United States, victorious after its own civil war, and the rising success of Mexican nationalist forces, the French withdrew their military support of Maximilian, the last emperor of Mexico.

This historic image is one of 45, artistic and commercials prints housed in the Graphic Arts Collection of the National Museum of American History. Nominate this object for photography. See our privacy policy. Collections Search Search for Show only items with images.