Battle of Querétaro

Mexican-French history

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July 13, 2026

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The Battle of Querétaro was the final engagement of the Second Mexican Empire, resulting in the defeat and execution of Emperor Maximilian I. Maximilian, an Austrian archduke, was placed on the Mexican throne in 1864 by French Emperor Napoleon III, with the support of Mexican conservatives. He intended to rule benevolently but alienated both conservatives and liberals.

By 1867, French troops had withdrawn, leaving Maximilian vulnerable to the forces of Mexican President Benito Juárez. Maximilian's army was surrounded at Querétaro, and he was captured on May 15, 1867. Despite international pleas for clemency, Juárez ordered Maximilian's execution, which took place on June 19, 1867, near Querétaro. This event marked the end of foreign intervention and the restoration of the Mexican Republic.12

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Mexico
French intervention
…most of his troops—9,000 men—at Querétaro, a city loyal to the imperial cause. On May 5, 1867, the republican forces laid siege, initially with 32,000 men, later with an additional 10,000. By May 14 the starving imperialist force, reduced to about 5,000, had decided to withdraw and take a stand…
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…most of his troops—9,000 men—at Querétaro, a city loyal to the imperial cause. On May 5, 1867, the republican forces laid siege, initially with 32,000 men, later with an additional 10,000. By May 14 the starving imperialist force, reduced to about 5,000, had decided to withdraw and take a stand…
Read More