Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico is executed at Querétaro (1867)

Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico, along with generals Miguel Miramón and Tomás Mejía, was executed by firing squad at Cerro de las Campanas in Querétaro on 19 June 1867. This event concluded the Second Mexican Empire following the collapse of French support and the capture of the besieged city.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Maximilian's tenure as emperor ended with his execution by forces of the Restored Republic. The collapse of the Second Mexican Empire was accelerated by the withdrawal of French military support in 1866 and material aid from the United States to republican forces. Maximilian moved to Querétaro in February 1867 to join his troops, where he was besieged until the city fell in May.

Capture and Trial. After the city of Querétaro fell on 15 May 1867, Maximilian surrendered to General Mariano Escobedo following a failed escape attempt. A court-martial in Querétaro sentenced Maximilian, Miramón, and Mejía to death. Maximilian refused to shave his beard for escape, insisting that his generals accompany him if he were to be executed.

Execution. The death sentence was carried out at Cerro de las Campanas on the morning of 19 June 1867. Maximilian, Miramón, and Mejía were executed by a Republican firing squad. This event marked the end of the Second Mexican Empire and the period of French intervention in Mexico.

People involved

Sources

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