The Probert Encyclopaedia of People

MAXIMILIAN

Ferdinand Maximilian Joseph was Archduke of Austria and king of Mexico. He was born in 1832 and died in 1867. He became prominent for his enlightened administration of the Lombardo-Venetian kingdom. In 1863 France called an assembly of notables in Mexico, which approved a monarchical form of government and offered the crown of Mexico to Maximilian. He became emperor in 1864, but his reign was disturbed by a powerful republican faction. He was able to maintain his position only by aid of French troops, which were withdrawn at the demand of the United States. Maximilian was soon afterward deposed and shot.
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