The Austro-Mexican Empire was a short-lived monarchy established in Mexico from 1864 to 1867. It was created when Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria was invited to rule as Emperor, supported by Napoleon III of France. The empire aimed to stabilize Mexico after years of conflict but faced resistance from republican forces. Maximilian's reign was marked by attempts to implement liberal reforms, but he struggled with limited support and resources. The empire ultimately collapsed when French troops withdrew, leading to Maximilian's capture and execution by Benito Juárez's republican forces in 1867, restoring the Mexican Republic.