Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian was an Austrian archduke born in 1832. He was the younger brother of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. In 1864, he became the Emperor of Mexico after being offered the throne by French Emperor Napoleon III. His reign was marked by political challenges and opposition from Mexican republicans. Maximilian's rule ended in 1867 when he was captured by republican forces led by Benito Juárez. Despite attempts to negotiate, he was executed, which led to the collapse of the French-supported monarchy in Mexico. His tragic story highlights the complexities of European involvement in Latin American politics during the 19th century.