1-158-890 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Maximilian, Emperor of Mexico, 1864. Ferdinand Maximilian Joseph, Archduke of Austria (1832-1867) was crowned Emperor of Mexico on 10 June 1864. By early 1865 his administration had failed. When the French who supported him withdrew in March 1867 he refused to desert his post and return with them to Europe. In May Maximilian was court-martialled, condemned to death, and shot. From The Illustrated London News. (London, 1864).