About this item

In this new telling of Mexicos Second Empire and Louis Napolons installation of Maximilian von Habsburg and his wife, Carlota of Belgium, as the emperor and empress of Mexico, Maximilian and Carlota brings the dramatic, interesting, and tragic time of this six-year-siege to life.From 1861 to 1866, the French incorporated the armies of Austria, Belgiumincluding forces from Crimea to Egyptto fight and subdue the regime of Mexicos Benito Jurez during the time of the U.S. Civil War. France viewed this as a chance to seize Mexican territory in a moment they were convinced the Confederacy would prevail and take over Mexico. With both sides distracted in the U.S., this was their opportunity to seize territory in North America. In 1867, with aid from the United States, this movement came to a disastrous end both for the royals and for France while ushering in a new era for Mexico.



About the Author

M. M. McAllen

M. M. McAllen was raised on a storied south Texas ranch and writes aboutthe history of the Southwest and Mexico. Her first book, the award-winningand best-selling I Would Rather Sleep in Texas (2003), depicts families fromthe area and the blending of cultures against the backdrop of the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, and upheavals along the border. Her secondbook, A Brave Boy and a Good Soldier: John C. C. Hill and the Texas Expeditionto Mier (2006), tells the 1842 biography of thirteen-year-old Texan John C. C.Hill, who was captured in battle and later adopted by Antonio López de SantaAnna, president of Mexico. This saga of one boy's survival and success wonnumerous awards and has become a curriculum standard in a number of Texasschools. She has written book introductions and contributed to anthologies.McAllen has appeared on the PBS series History Detectives-- in an episodeabout the origins of the Chisholm Trail-- and has contributed to Faces ofAmerica, Henry Louis Gates's series on the origins of famous citizens. Shecontinues to research and write articles on transborder topics and has contributedto various books and anthologies. She lives in San Antonio.



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