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Maximilian, Ferdinand Joseph 1832-67
Emperor of Mexico and Archduke of Austria

He was born in Vienna, the younger brother of Emperor Francis Joseph I. He married Carlota, daughter of Leopold I, King of the Belgians. He accepted the offer of the Crown of Mexico (1863), supported by France, and was crowned emperor (1864). He attempted liberal reforms, largely in the interest of the Indian peasants, but when Napoleon III withdrew his troops, he refused to abdicate, made a brave defence at Querétaro against Benito Juárez, and was betrayed and executed.