The Last Emperor of Mexico

August 2, 2024 | Samantha Henman

The Last Emperor of Mexico


Maximilian I was the very picture of European chivalry—but his story ended in greed, disgrace, and betrayal. Maximilian would do anything to gain power, and in order to inch closer and closer to a throne, he manipulated his loved ones, vied for court supremacy, and, on one occasion, dealt the ultimate betrayal to his own wife. Maximilian certainly tried to play the game of thrones…but he lost more brutally than any ruler before or since.

Though his older brother was destined to rule in their home of Austria, Maximilian had no guarantee to any throne—and it bothered him to no end. So, when Napoleon III offered him the position of Emperor of Mexico, he jumped at the opportunity.

Everyone thought Maximilian was crazy. France had just recently conquered Mexico and its hold over the region was far from stable. Maximilian and his wife Charlotte landed in Veracruz, which just so happened to be a notorious bastion for a free republic of Mexico. They were met with an icy greeting—and their reign only got worse from there.

For three stubborn years, Maximilian fought to stay on the throne against immeasurable odds—completely unaware of the disturbing fate that awaited him. Mexican forces led by Benito Juarez stripped him of his power and sentenced him to be executed. Then, as Maximilian faced his firing squad, he made the most heartbreaking request to the enemy soldiers.

When he met the men who were about to shoot him, he insisted on speaking Spanish to them, and then gave each of the soldiers a gold coin. As Maximilian placed the coins in the mens’ hands, he made it clear to them that this was payment in advance for not shooting him in the face when they aimed and took fire. Why? Because when his body made it back to Austria, he wanted his beloved mother Sophie to be able to look at his face and recognize him.


More from Factinate

Featured Article

My mom never told me how her best friend died. Years later, I was using her phone when I made an utterly chilling discovery.

Dark Family Secrets

Dark Family Secrets Exposed

Nothing stays hidden forever—and these dark family secrets are proof that when the truth comes out, it can range from devastating to utterly chilling.
April 8, 2020 Samantha Henman

Featured Article

Madame de Pompadour was the alluring chief mistress of King Louis XV, but few people know her dark history—or the chilling secret shared by her and Louis.

Madame de Pompadour Facts

Entrancing Facts About Madame de Pompadour, France's Most Powerful Mistress

Madame de Pompadour was the alluring chief mistress of King Louis XV, but few people know her dark history—or the chilling secret shared by her and Louis.
December 7, 2018 Kyle Climans

More from Factinate

Featured Article

I tried to get my ex-wife served with divorce papers. I knew that she was going to take it badly, but I had no idea about the insane lengths she would go to just to get revenge and mess with my life.

These People Got Genius Revenges

When someone really pushes our buttons, we'd like to think that we'd hold our head high and turn the other cheek, but revenge is so, so sweet.
April 22, 2020 Scott Mazza

Featured Article

Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIII’s rejected queen—but few people know her even darker history.

Catherine of Aragon Facts

Tragic Facts About Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s First Wife

Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIII’s rejected queen—but very few people know her even darker history.
June 7, 2018 Christine Tran



Dear reader,


Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? We’re always looking for your input! Please reach out to us to let us know what you’re interested in reading. Your suggestions can be as general or specific as you like, from “Life” to “Compact Cars and Trucks” to “A Subspecies of Capybara Called Hydrochoerus Isthmius.” We’ll get our writers on it because we want to create articles on the topics you’re interested in. Please submit feedback to contribute@factinate.com. Thanks for your time!


Do you question the accuracy of a fact you just read? At Factinate, we’re dedicated to getting things right. Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success. We want our readers to trust us. Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. However, despite our best efforts, we sometimes miss the mark. When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better. Please let us know if a fact we’ve published is inaccurate (or even if you just suspect it’s inaccurate) by reaching out to us at contribute@factinate.com. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,



The Factinate team




Want to learn something new every day?

Join thousands of others and start your morning with our Fact Of The Day newsletter.

Thank you!

Error, please try again.