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I've been trying to think of a POD for a TL in which Maximilian I comes to an agreement with Juarez, Tejada, and Diaz during French Intervention. Once this is achieved, the two governments (violently opposed as we all know in OTL) would seemingly be able to function relatively well and even better perhaps than Mexico fared IOTL and even (and I hate to use this as an example but...) TL 191 or any other TL in which Maximilian defeats Juarez.

The consolidation of the governments was not all that far fetched considering the fact that Maximilian was as liberal as Juarez and the conservatives supported French Intervention. The two sides should have been able to come together under the liberal Emperor who desired a limited Imperial Monarchy only, and Maximilian (who by all accounts was legitimately concerned about the Mexican people) did offer Juarez the seat of Prime Minister and Diaz a position at the head of the military (with support from Mexican conservatives.)

Some PODs I have considered include:

1. Britain and Spain remain unaware of French designs on Mexico and are involved in their attempt for debt repayment until after the Battle of Puebla, which begins earlier in the day and with more invading troops, making it a victory for the allied European forces and disheartening the Mexican resistance. This could push the taking of Mexico City earlier and the additional French troops would arrive to a much more secure invasion. Diaz is therefore more inclined to join the winning side (particularly after learning of Maximilian's proposed policies in a "Constitutional Empire") and brings with him the less militant liberals and the more open minded conservatives in the military. When Maximilian offers Juarez the "presidency" Juarez would be more inclined to agree with more French troops and a more secure French invasion force staring at him.

2. Maximilian communicates his liberalism, desire to support Juarez' policies, and desire to remain largely independent from French influence to the liberals, patriots, and rebels and specifically Juarez himself.

3. A different American government which either does not support Juarez, or supports a collaboration of Juarez and Maximilian.

4. Maximilian does not declare his "Black Decree" and propaganda and communication between opposing sides successfully portrays the new Emperor as a supporter of limited monarchy, a constitution, and free and fair elections. His desire to give the natives equal rights and other social reforms could also spark a "counter-revolution" of pro-Imperial but largely anti-French rebels who support both Juarez and Maximilian and convince Juarez of the sincerity (and benefits) of the new limited monarchy.

I'm sure there are more and I want to hear your thoughts. Perhaps several or all of these options should or could be used.

With Maximilian's very limited monarchy as well as his connection to France and Austria keeping Napoleon satisfied and allowing for some post-war socio-economic repair in Mexico's fragile infrastructure on the one hand, and Juarez and later Tejada's strengthening of the Imperial Republic through La Reforma and railroads, I can see a legitimate collaboration being quite positive and productive for Mexico. And as far as the politics go, the conservatives will be happy with their Empire and the liberals will be happy with its leadership, reforms, and policies.

Perhaps Maximilian and Napoleon III will eventually bump heads but Napoleon wouldn't be alive much longer anyway, and the French influenced Empire would become almost completely independent from France once France becomes a Republic once again (Though I imagine some form of French influence will remain, including but not limited to troop garrisons and immigration.)

When French support for Maximilian's throne gradually gives way leaving only Austro-Hungarian support (which would no doubt increase upon the dissolving of the Second French Empire), the Mexican Empire will still be secure and the Mexican Republic will still be strong, but with a very "British-esque" government just south of the U.S., how will we react diplomatically?

Diaz, here with (let's assume) a position as Secretary of War until his election in 1976 to the Presidency (which still seems inevitable...), would no doubt have more support from the people as a unification era war hero, successful head of the military, and the added support of the Emperor and therefore the Hapsburgs. Goes a long way.

But assuming there is no Mexican Revolution or a quickly quelled one, when the Zimmermann telegram arrives during WW1 after "Mexiko" sends troops to assist the Central Powers in the wake of the death of Maximilian's beloved nephew, would a less weak and very pro-Austrian Mexiko be more ready to accept and/or would America's entry in the war on the side of the Entente spark a new front in the war "on the border"?


Thoughts? Ideas? Help? Suggestions? Etc.?
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