In the early 1860s, the ambitious Napoleon III initiated the French intervention in Mexico.
France, eager to turn Mexico into a satellite state, searched for a suitable figurehead to serve as the nominal emperor of Mexico.
His choice was Maximilian, who held no real power in Italy and was eager for a more challenging role.
Against his brother's advice, Maximilian accepted the Mexican crown and the couple sailed for the New World.
The imperial couple were crowned at the Catedral Metropolitana in 1864 and chose as their seat Mexico City, making their home in the Neoclassical Chapultepec Castle.
In Mexico, she was known as Carlota.
In the early 1860s, the ambitious Napoleon III initiated the French intervention in Mexico. France, eager to turn Mexico into a satellite state, searched for a suitable figurehead to serve as the nominal emperor of Mexico. His choice was Maximilian, who held no real power in Italy and was eager for a more challenging role. Against his brother's advice, Maximilian accepted the Mexican crown and the couple sailed for the New World. The imperial couple were crowned at the Catedral Metropolitana in 1864 and chose as their seat Mexico City, making their home in the Neoclassical Chapultepec Castle. In Mexico, she was known as Carlota.
Carlota of Mexico