1-155-773 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Execution of Maximilian, Emperor of Mexico, 19 June 1867. The younger brother of Emperor Francis Joseph I of Austria, Maximilian (1863-1867) accepted the offer of the throne of Mexico in 1864 with the backing of Napoleon III of France and Mexican conservatives. The majority of Mexicans, including the Republicans and Liberales led by Benito Juarez, and many foreign governments refused to recognise Maximilian as emperor however, and he was captured by the Republicans who executed him by firing squad at Queretaro.