Maximilian I of Mexico (A Lasting Empire)

Maximiliam I of Mexico was the first Mexican Emperor and the establisher of the Mexican Empire.

Marriage
In 1852 Maximilian married Maria Amelia, the Princess of Brazil. This marriage was endorsed by all parties and was rooted from a deep personal attraction. This marriage also made Maximilian a distant heir to the Brazilian throne.

Life in Brazil
Maximilian had been an outspoken critic of his brother's stance during the 1848 Liberal Revolutions and possesed a liberal worldview. This caused his brother to propose he find a home outside the Empire, as it was politically undesirably to posses such opinions. Maximilian, perhaps influenced by his desire for adventure and love of botany, chose to settle in Brazil along with his new bride in 1854.

While in Brazil he went on several expeditions to the interior. He became fast friends with the Brazillian Emperor, who shared his political ideas. Maximilian was also influential in the Brazilian navy, and accepted a comission within it from 1854-1858. Maximilian became an abolitionist while in Brazil.