The French Intervention in Mexico occurred from 1861 to 1867 when France, led by Napoleon III, sought to establish a monarchy in Mexico. This was partly motivated by the desire to expand French influence in the Americas and to support the conservative factions in Mexico against the liberal government of President Benito Juárez. The intervention led to the installation of Archduke Maximilian of Austria as emperor. However, the French faced strong resistance from Mexican forces, and after the withdrawal of French troops in 1866, Maximilian was captured and executed in 1867, leading to the restoration of the Mexican Republic.