Maximillian I was was an Austrian Archduke and the brother of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. Maximillian was convinced to go to Mexico and become Emperor to legitimize French intervention by Napoleon III. Maximillian was meant to create a pro-French monarchy. He reigned from April 10, 1864 to June 19, 1867. He was married to Empress Carlota, and they had no biological children. During his reign, French troops withdrew and American support caused more discontent in Mexican cities. In the wake of Mexican resistance and other political issues, Carlota returned to Europe in an attempt to get help. Unable to do so, she suffered what was essentially a nervous breakdown and never went back to Mexico. Maximillian was captured while attempting to escape and was convicted and sentenced to death.

I thought this book was great. It was well researched and very detailed. I was vaguely aware of Maximillian and Carlotta, mostly because there was an episode about them on Noble Blood. I really enjoyed learning more about this regime, because I wasn't really adept at French occupation of Mexico, only Spanish. This was a really educational book.