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The Crown of Mexico: Maximilian & His Empress Carlota
A detailed and sympathetic portrait of Ferdinand Maximilian Joseph and his Belgium consort.
541 pages, Hardcover
First published June 17, 1971
5 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Joan Haslip
19 books18 followersJoan Haslip was an author of historical books, often focusing on European royalty. She was born in London and educated in London, Paris and Florence. Her first book, Out of Focus, appeared in 1931; among her other notable publications are Lady Hester Stanhope (1934) and Parnell (1937). She also wrote for the London Mercury, the Daily Mail and Evening News, and the Illustrated London News.
She also worked for the Italian section of the BBC from 1940 to 1944. Her books were generally regarded as accurate and fairly complete although at times falling prey to "outdated interpretations".
She also worked for the Italian section of the BBC from 1940 to 1944. Her books were generally regarded as accurate and fairly complete although at times falling prey to "outdated interpretations".
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January 2, 2018
Ain't Kings Neat ?
For 15 years, this book sat on my shelf among other books on Mexico. When I finally began to read it, I realized my mistake. This book is not about Mexico, it is a Ladies Home Journal story about a "star-crossed couple from Europe's best families". Oi gavult ! Maximilian, the brother of Emperor Franz Josef of Austria-Hungary, and his young wife, Charlotte, daughter of King Leopold I of Belgium, sailed off to become Emperor and Empress of Mexico in 1864, while the US was busy with the Civil War, and when Benito Juarez' struggle with the Church and landlords had become almost endemic in Mexico itself. France backed the whole enterprise with an army and funds, hoping to collect a lot of debts owed them and maybe acquire mineral rights in northern Mexico as well. However, Mexicans did not take kindly to European interference, no matter what well-intentioned, "noble" characters appeared in the guise of `rulers'. Poor, impractical, deluded Maximilian wound up in front of a firing squad, while Charlotte, having gone back to Europe to drum up support for the failing imperial enterprise, went crazy, surviving in her delusions till 1927.
The story of the failed French imperial intervention in Mexico is a fascinating one. It would make an excellent history book. It's just that this is not it. The editing is weak, with a large number of typos. The facts needed a bit of checking as well. Mexico's area as 3.5 million square miles (less than 1/3 of that actually); Mexican Indian civilizations constantly lumped together as "Aztecs"; Mexican Indians are said to be living in the 19th century under the same (bad) conditions as their ancestors----no, almost every aspect of their life had changed, though their economic welfare was still poor; the author fails to distinguish between the Texas war of 1836 and the US-Mexican war nine years later; and writes that Mexicans had grown tired of seeing Santa Anna's face on every hoarding (i.e. `billboard')---a mite anachronistic perhaps ? The purple prose and fawningly loving attitude towards royals, the author's emphasis on breeding, elegance, gardens, palaces, and manners all tended to turn my stomach----I can't stand the imperial pretensions of our elected rulers, much less the antics and noblesse oblige of those who claim leadership flows in their veins. Let's face it, this book is not about Mexico at all, it is a paean to some imagined, cuddly European royal breed, written for people who go ga-ga over the endless amounts of tripe written about the British royal family. Mexico doesn't even rate a mention till page 149. Even then stereotypical images abound. "Mexicans love fireworks and flowers". the "simple, childish faith" of the Mexicans, their "knavishness", their "indiscipline" and lack of ability to keep things clean, their failure to be administrators. The book could be a text in a class on Said's "Orientalism". The final statement of the author's concern lies in her sources---not a single Spanish one, only French, German, Italian and English---her misspelling of Mexico's patron saint, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and constant use of Italian plurals on Spanish words! There is no attempt at cultural relativity, no attempt to see the situation through Mexican eyes, there is no depth, no semblance of an idea or overall view, just a overly long, tedious, blow by blow, pseudo-romantic tale of fatal royal pretensions of grandeur. If you are at all serious about history, give this book a miss.
For 15 years, this book sat on my shelf among other books on Mexico. When I finally began to read it, I realized my mistake. This book is not about Mexico, it is a Ladies Home Journal story about a "star-crossed couple from Europe's best families". Oi gavult ! Maximilian, the brother of Emperor Franz Josef of Austria-Hungary, and his young wife, Charlotte, daughter of King Leopold I of Belgium, sailed off to become Emperor and Empress of Mexico in 1864, while the US was busy with the Civil War, and when Benito Juarez' struggle with the Church and landlords had become almost endemic in Mexico itself. France backed the whole enterprise with an army and funds, hoping to collect a lot of debts owed them and maybe acquire mineral rights in northern Mexico as well. However, Mexicans did not take kindly to European interference, no matter what well-intentioned, "noble" characters appeared in the guise of `rulers'. Poor, impractical, deluded Maximilian wound up in front of a firing squad, while Charlotte, having gone back to Europe to drum up support for the failing imperial enterprise, went crazy, surviving in her delusions till 1927.
The story of the failed French imperial intervention in Mexico is a fascinating one. It would make an excellent history book. It's just that this is not it. The editing is weak, with a large number of typos. The facts needed a bit of checking as well. Mexico's area as 3.5 million square miles (less than 1/3 of that actually); Mexican Indian civilizations constantly lumped together as "Aztecs"; Mexican Indians are said to be living in the 19th century under the same (bad) conditions as their ancestors----no, almost every aspect of their life had changed, though their economic welfare was still poor; the author fails to distinguish between the Texas war of 1836 and the US-Mexican war nine years later; and writes that Mexicans had grown tired of seeing Santa Anna's face on every hoarding (i.e. `billboard')---a mite anachronistic perhaps ? The purple prose and fawningly loving attitude towards royals, the author's emphasis on breeding, elegance, gardens, palaces, and manners all tended to turn my stomach----I can't stand the imperial pretensions of our elected rulers, much less the antics and noblesse oblige of those who claim leadership flows in their veins. Let's face it, this book is not about Mexico at all, it is a paean to some imagined, cuddly European royal breed, written for people who go ga-ga over the endless amounts of tripe written about the British royal family. Mexico doesn't even rate a mention till page 149. Even then stereotypical images abound. "Mexicans love fireworks and flowers". the "simple, childish faith" of the Mexicans, their "knavishness", their "indiscipline" and lack of ability to keep things clean, their failure to be administrators. The book could be a text in a class on Said's "Orientalism". The final statement of the author's concern lies in her sources---not a single Spanish one, only French, German, Italian and English---her misspelling of Mexico's patron saint, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and constant use of Italian plurals on Spanish words! There is no attempt at cultural relativity, no attempt to see the situation through Mexican eyes, there is no depth, no semblance of an idea or overall view, just a overly long, tedious, blow by blow, pseudo-romantic tale of fatal royal pretensions of grandeur. If you are at all serious about history, give this book a miss.
December 7, 2012
A great history book that reads like fiction which tells the tale of one of the most ridiculous political blunders of the 19th century......the creation of an empire in Mexico with a Hapsburg on the throne. Emperor Franz Josef of Austria and Napoleon III of France colluded in this tragic experiment.....Franz Josef due to his jealousy of his younger brother Maximilian's popularity and Napoleon, due to greed. Archduke Maximilian and his wife Charlotte (Carlota when in Mexico), daughter of the King of the Belgiums are offered the "Empire of Mexico" and ascend that throne against the wishes of wiser friends and counselors. Max is an artistic, gentle and rather weak man who is driven by his wife who is more intelligent than he but paranoid and overwrought. Nothing goes right and their reign is filled with tyranny as Benito Juarez lurks in the background ready to begin the revolution which will drive the Hapsburgs and the French from his country. The United States is also making threats about a monarchy on its border. When Napoleon breaks his treaty and begins pulling his troops from Mexico, Empress Carlota leaves for Europe to plead for assistance. She falls into madness and never sees her husband again. Juarez has Max assassinated although Carlota is never told of his death. The "Empire" lasted 3 1/2 years......a tragedy which had consequences in future history.
March 17, 2012
A really fascinating look at an obscure event in history. Joan Haslip sets the scene well and brings the characters to life, examining both the ironies and tragedies of their actions. It was obvious that Haslip really knew and sympathized with her subjects which draws you in and invests you in what is essentially a five hundred page history book.
February 23, 2017
The takeover of Mexico, while the USA was busy fighting the Civil War, by the French was a colossal failure in nation building.The Mexican adventure is a lesson in the pitfalls of nation building. George Bush should have studied it before engaging the country in Iraq and Afghanistan. This book is about Emperor Maximillian Ferdinand and his Empress Carlotta who were recruited by Napoleon III (a nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte) to overthrow the current Republican government and install the Emperor Maximillian as the ruler of Mexico. Mexico at the time had suffered through a series of civil wars each ending in the short rule of a President or emperor. The country was practically bankrupt and when the latest President, Benito Juarez, announced that he would not be repaying the loans that European nations had extended to the country, the European nation including France protested. France took the further action of invading the country to protect and enhance its Mexican interests.
Maximillian was the brother of the Austrian/Hungarian Emperor, Franz Joseph. Since he and his wife were doing little but were ambitious, he accepted the offer from Napoleon III to rule over Mexico. He and his wife ignored all the warnings from family, friends and diplomats that becoming emperor was fraught with danger since the Mexican President, Benito Juarez, was still fighting the French and the country was split between a conservative faction which wanted to bring back a monarchy and the Catholic church and the Republican faction which had just cut down the Catholic church powers in Mexico.
If one looks at what the US went through when it tried and failed at rebuilding Iraq, The events that Maximilian and his wife endured lay a parallel path toward disaster. When Maximillian first appears in Mexico the population which has been conquered by the French applaud the young Emperor but for the next three years Maximillian and his wife are unable to consolidate power without the presence of the French army which keep the Republican forces at bay. Benito Juarez fights a guérilla war and the French are just barely maintaining the gains they were previously successful in grabbing from Juarez. As the occupation continues, Napoleon III is increasingly frustrated that he cannot extricate himself without causing the downfall of Maximillian. He finds, though. that with mounting losses of men and materials and the US demanding that he withdraw his forces, that he has no choice but to evacuate his army and abandon Maximillian. Napoleon understands the disaster that will befall Maximillian after the French have withdrawn and tries to convince Maximilian to abdicate his throne, to no avail.
Joan Haslip writes in a format that almost reads like a novel. It's hard to keep track of all the characters that move in and out of Maximilian's environment and who inspire him in some way onto his path of destiny. She really lets us see who Maximillian is, and also lets us understand the ambition of his wife Charlotte. Maximillian is not a bad person. He is just the next in line to the throne of the Austrian emperor and as such, he has nothing to do except fill certain roles that the emperor gives him. He has modern ideas of governing, is somewhat liberal in his outlook of the relationship of emperor to subject and believes in a constitutional government where the people have a say in how they are ruled. When his brother makes him viceroy of the Italian provinces which were a den of revolutionary fervor, he tries to gain the support of the people by being benevolent. He believes in liberal government, but is thwarted by the imperial system that he is a part of.
All in all, the book is very interesting as it describes the loyalty to the emperor by the different people involved in the Mexican adventure, the betrayals that Maximilian has to endure, and the developing madness of his wife, Charlotte, as she frantically tries to convince Napoleon and the Pope to save Mexico after the decision has been made by the French to abandon the Mexican adventure. In the end, Maximilian's fate is sealed because of his character - he doesn't seem to be able to back out of situations where he feels honor bound. When he has a last chance to abdicate and flee back to Europe, he is reminded by his advisors of his word that he gave to the Mexicans. In the end, he is betrayed by who he thought was a trustworthy officer and captured by Benito Juarez' forces. Benito Juarez', who is of Aztec Indian extraction, exacts his final vengeance on the heir to the Austrian throne and the descendant of Charles V, the Spanish king who ruled and oppressed the Spanish possessions during the 17th century by having him executed by firing squad. The painting reproduced on the book cover is an Édouard Manet's rendition of the execution.
Last thought - Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican holiday, is not a celebration of the independence of Mexico from Spain. Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of the defeat of the French army at the hands of an inferior Mexican force at the beginning of the French intervention and before Maximilian had accepted to become emperor of Mexico. You can learn all kinds of things in books.
Maximillian was the brother of the Austrian/Hungarian Emperor, Franz Joseph. Since he and his wife were doing little but were ambitious, he accepted the offer from Napoleon III to rule over Mexico. He and his wife ignored all the warnings from family, friends and diplomats that becoming emperor was fraught with danger since the Mexican President, Benito Juarez, was still fighting the French and the country was split between a conservative faction which wanted to bring back a monarchy and the Catholic church and the Republican faction which had just cut down the Catholic church powers in Mexico.
If one looks at what the US went through when it tried and failed at rebuilding Iraq, The events that Maximilian and his wife endured lay a parallel path toward disaster. When Maximillian first appears in Mexico the population which has been conquered by the French applaud the young Emperor but for the next three years Maximillian and his wife are unable to consolidate power without the presence of the French army which keep the Republican forces at bay. Benito Juarez fights a guérilla war and the French are just barely maintaining the gains they were previously successful in grabbing from Juarez. As the occupation continues, Napoleon III is increasingly frustrated that he cannot extricate himself without causing the downfall of Maximillian. He finds, though. that with mounting losses of men and materials and the US demanding that he withdraw his forces, that he has no choice but to evacuate his army and abandon Maximillian. Napoleon understands the disaster that will befall Maximillian after the French have withdrawn and tries to convince Maximilian to abdicate his throne, to no avail.
Joan Haslip writes in a format that almost reads like a novel. It's hard to keep track of all the characters that move in and out of Maximilian's environment and who inspire him in some way onto his path of destiny. She really lets us see who Maximillian is, and also lets us understand the ambition of his wife Charlotte. Maximillian is not a bad person. He is just the next in line to the throne of the Austrian emperor and as such, he has nothing to do except fill certain roles that the emperor gives him. He has modern ideas of governing, is somewhat liberal in his outlook of the relationship of emperor to subject and believes in a constitutional government where the people have a say in how they are ruled. When his brother makes him viceroy of the Italian provinces which were a den of revolutionary fervor, he tries to gain the support of the people by being benevolent. He believes in liberal government, but is thwarted by the imperial system that he is a part of.
All in all, the book is very interesting as it describes the loyalty to the emperor by the different people involved in the Mexican adventure, the betrayals that Maximilian has to endure, and the developing madness of his wife, Charlotte, as she frantically tries to convince Napoleon and the Pope to save Mexico after the decision has been made by the French to abandon the Mexican adventure. In the end, Maximilian's fate is sealed because of his character - he doesn't seem to be able to back out of situations where he feels honor bound. When he has a last chance to abdicate and flee back to Europe, he is reminded by his advisors of his word that he gave to the Mexicans. In the end, he is betrayed by who he thought was a trustworthy officer and captured by Benito Juarez' forces. Benito Juarez', who is of Aztec Indian extraction, exacts his final vengeance on the heir to the Austrian throne and the descendant of Charles V, the Spanish king who ruled and oppressed the Spanish possessions during the 17th century by having him executed by firing squad. The painting reproduced on the book cover is an Édouard Manet's rendition of the execution.
Last thought - Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican holiday, is not a celebration of the independence of Mexico from Spain. Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of the defeat of the French army at the hands of an inferior Mexican force at the beginning of the French intervention and before Maximilian had accepted to become emperor of Mexico. You can learn all kinds of things in books.
October 11, 2022
In terms biographical trivia this biography covers it all, as intelligent or worthwhile look at an episode of history this is pure junk. I read this book as a teenager fifty years ago and thought light weight then. This is not a biography but a dream of cliches - the star crossed tragic lovers who are betrayed and deceived by everyone - this just won't due. It really doesn't matter how nice or artistic or well intentioned Maximilian was - he chose - in large part because his wife was so bored with the pointlessness of royal - to take on the invented crown of Mexico despite his own misgivings. This action and all his subsequent, especially his decision to remain in Mexico after the withdrawal of the French army, doomed tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of ordinary Mexicans to horrible deaths and all for his vanity. Both he and his wife were as perfect example as possible of the utter self centeredness and stupidity of 19th century royals.
This is not so much a bad biography as a bad type of biography - plenty of gilt and gingerbread but no substance or understanding.
This is not so much a bad biography as a bad type of biography - plenty of gilt and gingerbread but no substance or understanding.
September 13, 2018
The definitive look at Emperor Maximillian, must read for anyone with an interest in the subject.
February 2, 2014
In the summer of 1990 I spent two months at a language school In Cuernavaca, Mexico(I have since forgotten all the Spanish I learned there). There in class and on the tourist circuit I first heard of the short lived Empire (May 1864 to June 1867) of an Austrian Duke that once used Cuernavaca as a retreat from his duties. Anyway I found this book buried in a stack of old paperbacks with the sales receipt dated 12/10/91 21:02. And I FINALLY read it, only 22 years later. Well worth the wait!
It was first published in 1971 and I think it probably has a different historical sensibility than if it was written today. I think it is very “readable” and well researched, and even though you get a fair idea of what was going on in the world, this is definitely along the “great men of history” approach. Not that the author ever claims Maximilian is a “great man”, but then again it is his story…his sad, sad, story.
Maximilian sure had a sense of entitlement, but then again is brother was Emperor of Austria (maybe he said “Hey! Why can’t I be an Emperor?”) and his relatives included the Queen of England and his ancestor was the King of Spain. But really he should have been a botanist, naturalist, sailor and even a cultural ambassador, but not a ruler of any kind. He was genuinely interested in all sorts of things but this notion that he was destined for greatness did not serve him well. This version of Maximilian is mostly sympathetic and if it weren’t for the fact to so many people died trying to create and then save his Empire, he would be quite likable.
Benito Juarez (for whom Benito Mussolini is named) doesn't come off well, it seems he was quite keen on killing prisoners who did not convert to his side. Yeah, yeah, I know war is hell but it is hard to imagine a good spin on all the executions.
(After the first empire of Agustin Iturbide lasting from 1822 to 1823)…There were 30 presidents in 30 years, each of who lasted as long as there was money in the treasury to pay the army and provide jobs for the vast horde of bureaucrats…pg 151
(at Teotihuacan)…Ramirez was dragged out at sunset to climb the great pyramids of the sun and the moon and the Emperor was shocked to find that his foreign minister had never visited them before. He was always amazed at the lack of interest of most of his subjects in their own native art. Neglected archaeologists and impoverished artist found him a generous and enthusiastic patron pg 315
(after almost all is lost Max)…The thought of returning to Europe, to the gardens of Miramar, haunted by the screams of his mad wife, was more unbearable than the thought of a violent end in Mexico. With so little to live for, it is easy to be heroic. Pg 450
..(interrupting one a soldier apologizing for what was to happen),,”You are a soldier and it is your duty to obey” then he handed a gold ounce to each of the his seven executioners, asking them to take good aim and not to deface him, so that his mother could look upon him again. The young officer was about to raise his sword when Maximilian stepped forward and called out in Spanish: “I forgive everybody. I pray that everybody may also forgive me, and I hope my blood which is about to be shed will bring peace to Mexico, Viva Mexico! Viva Independencia!” pg 499
It was first published in 1971 and I think it probably has a different historical sensibility than if it was written today. I think it is very “readable” and well researched, and even though you get a fair idea of what was going on in the world, this is definitely along the “great men of history” approach. Not that the author ever claims Maximilian is a “great man”, but then again it is his story…his sad, sad, story.
Maximilian sure had a sense of entitlement, but then again is brother was Emperor of Austria (maybe he said “Hey! Why can’t I be an Emperor?”) and his relatives included the Queen of England and his ancestor was the King of Spain. But really he should have been a botanist, naturalist, sailor and even a cultural ambassador, but not a ruler of any kind. He was genuinely interested in all sorts of things but this notion that he was destined for greatness did not serve him well. This version of Maximilian is mostly sympathetic and if it weren’t for the fact to so many people died trying to create and then save his Empire, he would be quite likable.
Benito Juarez (for whom Benito Mussolini is named) doesn't come off well, it seems he was quite keen on killing prisoners who did not convert to his side. Yeah, yeah, I know war is hell but it is hard to imagine a good spin on all the executions.
(After the first empire of Agustin Iturbide lasting from 1822 to 1823)…There were 30 presidents in 30 years, each of who lasted as long as there was money in the treasury to pay the army and provide jobs for the vast horde of bureaucrats…pg 151
(at Teotihuacan)…Ramirez was dragged out at sunset to climb the great pyramids of the sun and the moon and the Emperor was shocked to find that his foreign minister had never visited them before. He was always amazed at the lack of interest of most of his subjects in their own native art. Neglected archaeologists and impoverished artist found him a generous and enthusiastic patron pg 315
(after almost all is lost Max)…The thought of returning to Europe, to the gardens of Miramar, haunted by the screams of his mad wife, was more unbearable than the thought of a violent end in Mexico. With so little to live for, it is easy to be heroic. Pg 450
..(interrupting one a soldier apologizing for what was to happen),,”You are a soldier and it is your duty to obey” then he handed a gold ounce to each of the his seven executioners, asking them to take good aim and not to deface him, so that his mother could look upon him again. The young officer was about to raise his sword when Maximilian stepped forward and called out in Spanish: “I forgive everybody. I pray that everybody may also forgive me, and I hope my blood which is about to be shed will bring peace to Mexico, Viva Mexico! Viva Independencia!” pg 499
May 26, 2018
This is personality driven history and a large part of it simply feels like a biography of Maximilian, the imperial couple interacting with other players on the world stage, though honestly only the former felt like well developed characters, other people as pivotal as Juarez and Napoleon managing to feel like they're in the background of the main plot line only occasionally appear on the forefront. All the prominent people in this tragedy, or as the author likes describing it, a "galaxy" of personalities will make their appearance here, however.
I have to be honest, that among the imperial couple I was more intrigued by Charlotte "the quiet, serious girl, who...read philosophy and history for pleasure. Conversations with Charlotte had to be of the highest plane." Charlotte the devout Catholic, the intellectual, the polyglot. Carlota, Empress of Mexico, regent when Maximilian left the capital and a sincere reformer aiming for the good of the country, all at the age of twenty five. Her flaw was ambition. She preferred Mexico to idleness in Europe, and it's such a tragedy to see such a beautiful mind wrecked up on an enterprise that seemingly nobody could've salvaged.
Maximilian was the right man in the wrong circumstances, also the intellectual, the polyglot, the writer, former head of the Austrian Navy, and viceroy of Venetia-Lombardy, both jobs which he managed excellently. He was incredibly idealistic, perhaps at times to trusting of others, and passionate about the country which he would ultimately die for. I happen to think that in viewing the situation at the beginning, not entirely ideal, he expected that the very force of his ideas and good intentions could convince his enemies to work with him for the good of the country, and honestly I have to join him in regretting that they didn't.
It's very difficult to believe that any of this happen, but such an adventure is not out of character for the country of Mexico. The Second Empire was likely doomed from the beginning and you get a a sense here that even Napoleon realized this shortly after landing troops. He hoped to salvage what he had already invested by counting on a long shot and if it failed well then Maximilian could simply evacuate the country. In this sense Napoleon misjudged Maximilian's character but overall also the political situation. The U.S. would have never tolerated a European monarchy on its border, Juarez knew, counted, and maintained his hopes on this, and the victory in the Civil War all but sealed the Empire's fate. The point is touched upon, but it's really the lack of political and historical context that was the book's greatest flaw.
I have to be honest, that among the imperial couple I was more intrigued by Charlotte "the quiet, serious girl, who...read philosophy and history for pleasure. Conversations with Charlotte had to be of the highest plane." Charlotte the devout Catholic, the intellectual, the polyglot. Carlota, Empress of Mexico, regent when Maximilian left the capital and a sincere reformer aiming for the good of the country, all at the age of twenty five. Her flaw was ambition. She preferred Mexico to idleness in Europe, and it's such a tragedy to see such a beautiful mind wrecked up on an enterprise that seemingly nobody could've salvaged.
Maximilian was the right man in the wrong circumstances, also the intellectual, the polyglot, the writer, former head of the Austrian Navy, and viceroy of Venetia-Lombardy, both jobs which he managed excellently. He was incredibly idealistic, perhaps at times to trusting of others, and passionate about the country which he would ultimately die for. I happen to think that in viewing the situation at the beginning, not entirely ideal, he expected that the very force of his ideas and good intentions could convince his enemies to work with him for the good of the country, and honestly I have to join him in regretting that they didn't.
It's very difficult to believe that any of this happen, but such an adventure is not out of character for the country of Mexico. The Second Empire was likely doomed from the beginning and you get a a sense here that even Napoleon realized this shortly after landing troops. He hoped to salvage what he had already invested by counting on a long shot and if it failed well then Maximilian could simply evacuate the country. In this sense Napoleon misjudged Maximilian's character but overall also the political situation. The U.S. would have never tolerated a European monarchy on its border, Juarez knew, counted, and maintained his hopes on this, and the victory in the Civil War all but sealed the Empire's fate. The point is touched upon, but it's really the lack of political and historical context that was the book's greatest flaw.
September 14, 2023
After centuries of Spanish colonialism, and the consequent development of a "new" race -which demanded autonomy and liberty of decision over the territories that made up the new Spain, the decline of the Spanish Empire created the conditions to free it's peoples from its yoke.
Many figures raised and fought for "independence" (inspired by the French Revolution in the 18th century). However, no real change was achieved since all these figures just aimed at personal profit.
Convoluted as Mexico was before, during and after its independence, no stability was achieved for decades: general after general, interest after interest (foreign and national), intestine war after intestine war the territory seemed to the world as a goldmine to be exploited.
In this scenery, two ambitious, idealistic and young heirs of the most noble families in Europe were convinced to look for a place in the pantheon of monarchs. Between the ambition of Napoleon and the ambition of some conservative families of Mexicans, their egos were gained by the prospect of glory and civilization for the peoples of the epicentre of the former empire: Mexico.
"The Crown of Mexico" is a detailed portrait of these two Europeans (Maximilian and Charlotte) that chronicles all the vicissitudes they had to face as they fed their dreams of progress and prosperity for a country not their own. Although supposedly supported by the French emperor (Napoleon), it is clear that they were manipulated to obtain benefits for that Empire and when it was clear that the myriad of interests wouldn't allow this to happen the "Emperor of Mexico" and his wife were left on their own.
An appealing description of the idealistic personalities of the main characters of this story; an opportunity for the reader to have a clear view of the world scenario(as well as the psychological one) in which the tragedy came into being. Great for people interested in Mexican history and, specifically in this passage.
Many figures raised and fought for "independence" (inspired by the French Revolution in the 18th century). However, no real change was achieved since all these figures just aimed at personal profit.
Convoluted as Mexico was before, during and after its independence, no stability was achieved for decades: general after general, interest after interest (foreign and national), intestine war after intestine war the territory seemed to the world as a goldmine to be exploited.
In this scenery, two ambitious, idealistic and young heirs of the most noble families in Europe were convinced to look for a place in the pantheon of monarchs. Between the ambition of Napoleon and the ambition of some conservative families of Mexicans, their egos were gained by the prospect of glory and civilization for the peoples of the epicentre of the former empire: Mexico.
"The Crown of Mexico" is a detailed portrait of these two Europeans (Maximilian and Charlotte) that chronicles all the vicissitudes they had to face as they fed their dreams of progress and prosperity for a country not their own. Although supposedly supported by the French emperor (Napoleon), it is clear that they were manipulated to obtain benefits for that Empire and when it was clear that the myriad of interests wouldn't allow this to happen the "Emperor of Mexico" and his wife were left on their own.
An appealing description of the idealistic personalities of the main characters of this story; an opportunity for the reader to have a clear view of the world scenario(as well as the psychological one) in which the tragedy came into being. Great for people interested in Mexican history and, specifically in this passage.
March 25, 2022
La historia de Max y Charlotte es una crónica de una muerte anunciada. Desde el principio hubo poca fe en el Segundo Imperio Mexicano y todos sabían que la joven pareja ponía sus vidas en línea al aceptar el trono de México. Y sin embargo allá fueron, impulsados por una mezcla de ambición, malos consejos y buenas intenciones, si bien estaban cargadas de unwhite savior complex. Cuando al final todo efectivamente sale mal una no puede ni sorprenderse ni indignarse: se venía venir desde el principio. Pero aún así no podes evitar sentir un nudo en la garganta al leer sobre los últimos días de Max y su ejecución, o sobre la locura de Charlotte y como pasó los sesenta años restantes de su vida encerrada en un castillo, pensando que todavía era la Emperatriz Carlota de México y que su esposo entraría en cualquier momento por la puerta.
Haslip pinta una imagen de la pareja imperial comprensiva y simpática, si tal vez demasiado romántica. No obstante, la autora también usa expresiones desactualizadas y problemáticas que me impidieron poder disfrutar enteramente la lectura. En general creo que esta es una buena biografía para introducirte al tema, pero me gustaría leer trabajos más actuales para poder evaluar el trabajo de Haslip mejor.
Haslip pinta una imagen de la pareja imperial comprensiva y simpática, si tal vez demasiado romántica. No obstante, la autora también usa expresiones desactualizadas y problemáticas que me impidieron poder disfrutar enteramente la lectura. En general creo que esta es una buena biografía para introducirte al tema, pero me gustaría leer trabajos más actuales para poder evaluar el trabajo de Haslip mejor.
January 8, 2024
There is probably no sadder story in 19th-century European royal history than that of Princess Charlotte of Belgium, who married Maximilian of Austria and subsquently became Empress of Mexico in one of the more incomprehensible geopolitical moves of the time. Haslip's book (written in 1971) thoroughly covers the ill-fated romance between the well-educated but naive Belgian princess and the brother of Hapsburg Emperoir Franz Josef. The book also delves into the political machinations of the era and how relations between the United States and Mexico, then and now, have generally alternated between benignly beneficial and explosively hostile. The book also explores the long-held rumor that the publically childless Carlota secretly gave birth to an illegitimate child fathered by a Belgian army colonel and that this led in part to her eventual mental breakdown prior to Maximilian's execution. The Belgian royal family has for many years strenuously denied any such pregnancy and it is to Haslip's credit that she was able to access previously unpublished revelations regarding the matter. A good background reading not just because of the royal aspect but also the US/Mexico relationship.
February 3, 2025
Dopo aver visto la seconda stagione su Netflix della serie “l’Imperatrice” (che pare sia stata rinnovata per la terza volta) mi sono soffermata sulla figura di Massimiliano, quel fratello spesso messo in secondo piano da Franz, e ho deciso di saperne di più. Aiutata da una magistrale e scorrevole biografia di Joan Haslip ho avuto la possibilità di conoscere meglio le sfaccettature di una storia quasi leggendaria per quanto tragica.
Ferdinando Massimiliano, detto Max, ha la sfortuna di nascere dopo Francesco Giuseppe e tra i due, purtroppo, i rapporti si fanno sempre più tesi con il passare degli anni.
Spesso una spina nel fianco, un personaggio scomodo e più amato di lui, l’Imperatore lo tiene lontano dagli affari di Vienna spedendolo prima a Milano e poi a Trieste. Il più lontano possibile dalla sua scrivania.
Max, molto Wittlesbach e poco Asburgo, sin da giovane risulta propenso alle arti, le scienze e soprattutto alla botanica. Nulla di più distante da Francesco Giuseppe, troppo impegnato da sempre nell'arte del governare.
Per saperne di più:
https://unapanchina-supemberley.blogs...
Ferdinando Massimiliano, detto Max, ha la sfortuna di nascere dopo Francesco Giuseppe e tra i due, purtroppo, i rapporti si fanno sempre più tesi con il passare degli anni.
Spesso una spina nel fianco, un personaggio scomodo e più amato di lui, l’Imperatore lo tiene lontano dagli affari di Vienna spedendolo prima a Milano e poi a Trieste. Il più lontano possibile dalla sua scrivania.
Max, molto Wittlesbach e poco Asburgo, sin da giovane risulta propenso alle arti, le scienze e soprattutto alla botanica. Nulla di più distante da Francesco Giuseppe, troppo impegnato da sempre nell'arte del governare.
Per saperne di più:
https://unapanchina-supemberley.blogs...
January 2, 2025
A detailed, engagingly written but rather old fashioned biography of Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota of Mexico, first published in 1971. Haslip excels at including primary source material, especially Maximilian and Carlota's letters and describing the complicated social dynamics of royal households. The wider historical context, especially in Mexico, however, is sometimes missing as Haslip provides broad generalizations about Mexican society in the 19th century that perhaps reflect Maximilian and Carlota's views but do not take into account the complexity of the society that experienced Maximilian's brief reign. The earlier chapters are stronger as Haslip, who also wrote a biography of Empress Elisabeth "Sisi" of Austria places Maximilian in the context of his family and the Habsburg Empire. I look forward to reading more about Maximilian and Carlota.
July 11, 2025
What a lovely book! I'm so glad I finally read it. I've been lugging it around from place to place for decades. It is very thoroughly researched, although there are also a lot of what I feel are contentious psychological insights and general interpretations of events. There is a fair amount of "truthiness," but it is very entertaining to read. What a strange and sad hiccup in history to have an archduke would be emperor so in need of a throne that he would presume to try to rule in a country he knew nothing about whose political parties were so bitterly and deeply entrenched. You feel very sorry for the young emperor and his tragic wife. At the same time, talk about white savior syndrome! It couldn't have ended any other way.
February 28, 2014
The subject is a disagreeable one and not lacking in sensational interest. Max was a weak loser and Carlotta hard to like---but their situation was a pitiable one and their end tragic. The author is on the level of Cecil Woodham-Smith. Her feel for character and literary style make the historical content easy to read. The way she handled the rumor about Carlotta's illegitimate baby was responsible. I also am inclined not to believe she would have done it.
The only glaring error is the crass --and by now rather dated-- psychology rubbish about how Max and Carlotta were childless because Max, " was unable to function as a man," when around his wife. Please. That is weird and mean-spirited gossip. Furthermore, I seriously doubt that was true. Carlotta couldn't have children and Max was not a loving husband. That doesn't mean Max lacked essential masculine qualities.
But don't let this discourage you from reading. This book is in general very strong material.
The only glaring error is the crass --and by now rather dated-- psychology rubbish about how Max and Carlotta were childless because Max, " was unable to function as a man," when around his wife. Please. That is weird and mean-spirited gossip. Furthermore, I seriously doubt that was true. Carlotta couldn't have children and Max was not a loving husband. That doesn't mean Max lacked essential masculine qualities.
But don't let this discourage you from reading. This book is in general very strong material.
November 4, 2011
Published in 1971 and read for the 1st time by me in 1975. An Austrian archduke with no job title except to grow flowers and give parties, his doting wife in whom Maximillian isn't too interested. A job offer as emperor of Mexico. The Mexicans will LOVE YOU, so says Emperor Napoleon III (not the Bonapart guy. Maximillian knows the jig is up when he sees the firing squad lining up. A good read for history lovers.
September 12, 2008
A rollicking read. Well researched. As with the other works on the period, however, some errors and mystifying lack of detail about the Iturbide affir (1865-1867), which is my own quibble. I loved this book and, in the course of researching my novel, have re-read it mutliple times. Highly recommended.
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June 20, 2011This book was a difficult read the author style is condescending to the subject. Her writing is filled with that peculiar upper class English racism that just expected non English people to be lesser being. Unless someone really needs to know about the inner working of Emperor of Austria family in the years 1840 to 1867 you should skip the first two hundred pages of this book.
May 19, 2013
Knowing so little about Mexican history, I found this very interesting, especially since we live in Puebla, where events happened during the reign of Maximilian. Such a sad outcome - so poorly conceived and executed. And politics goes on!!!
December 20, 2013
Interesting, well written, extremely well researched, sometimes too much of the author in the book. Reads like a novel.
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