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This is an idea I've had for around that last 15 minutes which probably isn't enough to flesh out the idea fully. This is why you don't see me having a single completed timeline. :|

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So the basis of this is that Maria Amelia (Maria III or Maria I of Mexico) doesn't contract tuberculosis. Since she survives, she marries Maximilian as intended in 1852. Maximilian is thus somewhat distantly in line to receive the throne of Brazil, occupied by his wife's half-brother Pedro II.

Maximilian was reportedly horrified by the events of the Liberal Revolts in 1848, complaining about what he saw as senseless brutality. He remained a liberal for the rest of his life. In addition he reportedly had a passion for science and botany, in addition to travel. His wife had been recognized as a member of the Brazilian royal family in 1841. Based on this I postulate that he and his wife moved to Brazil in 1854; his brother probably requested that he leave due to his public criticisms of his government.

While in Brazil, Maximilian becomes an abolitionist. He and Pedro II also become friends, which will be important later on. Maximilian is involved with the Brazilian navy and establishes many contacts there.

Maximilian was first offered the crown of Mexico in 1859, which OTL he doesn't accept, instead chosing to go on an expedition to Brazil. Presuming he'd already lived in Brazil for 5 years by this point, Maximilian accepts this offer. Mexico was embroiled in civil war at the time. While Maximilian was invited by the conservatives, who backed him for the crown, he was not implicitly the ruler of Mexico after he'd been declared Emperor. Nevertheless he moves to Mexico in the midst of the War of Reform.
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