Chapter I: Front Matter

_Life Stories for Young People_

Maximilian in Mexico

_Translated from the German of
J. Kemper_

BY
GEORGE P. UPTON
_Translator of “Memories,” “Immensee,” etc._

WITH THREE ILLUSTRATIONS

CHICAGO
A. C. McCLURG & CO.
1911

Copyright
A. C. McClurg & Co.
1911
Published September, 1911

THE · PLIMPTON · PRESS
[W·D·O]
NORWOOD · MASS · U·S·A

Translator’s Preface

The life story of Maximilian First in Mexico is one of the saddest of tragedies. Admitting that he was in some respects a weak sovereign and incompetent for the task he undertook, the tragedy is none the less sad. The dreadful fate which overtook the Empress Carlotta only adds to the gloom of the situation, and, if all reports are true, serves to emphasize Mexican cruelty and treachery, for in official circles it is generally believed she was made insane by a poisonous herb secretly mixed with her drink. Maximilian himself was a gentleman in the best sense of the term, gentle, courteous, refined, and scholarly; unfitted for the position he held, inexperienced in political matters, and ignorant how to contend with guile and treachery of the basest kind. He was virtually forced to ascend the Mexican throne, and consented only when he was assured that the Mexican people had enthusiastically elected him. Once there, he found himself the victim of treacherous plots and deadly hatred. He had but few friends upon whom he could rely, and they were unable to aid him in the hour of greatest danger. Louis Napoleon, who was chiefly instrumental in sending him there, violated his agreements, withdrew the French troops from Mexico, and abandoned him as a prey to his vindictive enemies, at whose hands he died like a gentleman and a hero, leaving the Empress to suffer the tortures of living death in a European asylum. History recalls few sadder tragedies than the one contained in the story of Maximilian’s three years in Mexico.

G. P. U.

Chicago, _May, 1911_

Contents

Chapter Page
I Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian 11
II The Mexican Empire 15
III Arrival of the Emperor in Mexico 24
IV Maximilian’s First Measures 28
V Church Affairs in Mexico 37
VI Enemies Within and Without 40
VII Bazaine’s Position in Mexico 44
VIII Fruits of the New Government 48
IX Louis Napoleon’s Attitude 52
X The Empress’ Journey to Europe 56
XI Events in Mexico After the Departure of the Empress 62
XII The Emperor at Orizaba 73
XIII Departure of the French 79
XIV The Siege of Querétaro 86
XV Downfall of the Mexican Empire 99
XVI The Emperor’s Imprisonment 113
XVII Death of Maximilian and His Generals 124
XVIII Conclusion 129
Appendix 133

Illustrations

Page
Emperor Maximilian _Frontispiece_
Empress Carlotta 56
Last Moments of Emperor Maximilian 124

Maximilian in Mexico