Maximilian I of Mexico

Maximilian I, Emperor of Mexico (born Ferdinand Maximilian Joseph, 1832-1867) was a member of Austria's Imperial Hapsburg-Lorraine family. With the backing of Napoleon III of France and a group of Mexican monarchists, he was proclaimed Emperor of Mexico on 10 April 1864. Many foreign governments refused to recognize his government, including the United States. This ensured the success of Republican forces and Maximilian was executed, after capture by Republicans, in 1867.

Maximilian I in The Guns of the South
Maximilian I extended recognition to the Confederate States after the Army of Northern Virginia took Washington City in 1864. The future relationship between Maximilian's Mexico and the C.S. was still being debated after Jefferson Davis left office and Robert E. Lee succeeded him. However, Maximilian's government was disposed to be friendly to the C.S. generally.

Throughout the 1860s, Maximilian faced rebels led by Benito Juárez. With the aid of French forces, Maximilian was able to inflict a series of defeats on Juarez well into 1867.

Maximilian I in Southern Victory
Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico, also known as Maximilian von Hapsburg (1832-c 1880), was a member of the Austrian royal family. In 1862, with the backing of Emperor Napoleon III of France and the support of the Confederate States, and over the protests of the United States, Maximilian was installed as emperor of Mexico. The dynasty he founded there would remain in power through the Second Great War, and would rely on the Entente and especially on the Confederacy for protection from the wrath of the United States.

Maximilian's installation was a violation of the Monroe Doctrine. The French and Confederates prevented the US from enforcing the doctrine, thus effectively shooting it between the eyes.