Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria landed at the port of Veracruz on May 28, 1864, and then proceeded to Mexico City, where he was officially welcomed on May 29, 1864. His arrival marked the beginning of a brief reign as Emperor of Mexico, established under the auspices of French Emperor Napoleon III. This imperial experiment arose in the context of the Mexican Civil War, during which various factions vied for control of the country after the fall of President Benito Juárez's government. Napoleon III saw an opportunity to extend French influence in the Americas by installing a European monarch in Mexico, partly as a response to America's weakening position in the region due to the Civil War.

Upon arriving in the capital, Maximilian was greeted with a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism. Supporters hoped he would provide a remedy to Mexico's longstanding issues, including political instability and economic hardship. However, Maximilian's rule faced immediate challenges, including rebellion and dissatisfaction from numerous groups. Juárez's loyalists fought against Maximilian's regime, believing that only a republican government would truly represent their interests. As he attempted to align his policies with the Mexican populace, Maximilian struggled to balance his European sensibilities with Mexican realities, leading to increasing tensions.

The presence of French troops bolstered Maximilian's position but also heightened resentment among those who opposed foreign intervention. The situation deteriorated, culminating in the withdrawal of French support in the early 1870s. Eventually, Marcos rebels captured Maximilian, leading to his execution in 1867. His short reign demonstrated the complexities of imposing foreign rule in a sovereign nation, ultimately sparking discussions about national identity and sovereignty that would resonate through Mexican history in the years to follow.