Viva el Imperio de México

WI: after the civil war the Republicans had not assisted in the downfall of the Mexican Hapsburgs and had stayed nuetral. Would the Franch and Royalists forces have been able to prevent the fall of the Mexican Empire?
 
Nope. Maxie's emipre was doomed no matter what. France had already removed its troops from Mexico do to the looming war with Prussia. And even without the war Napoleon III was begging to realize it was not worth it. Furthermore Max didn't really have suppourt of that many people he was way too liberal (probably more so than Juarez) so ended alienating the conservatives that originally brought him over. Ironically most of his suppourt came from Indian casiques like Mejia, that is people like Juarez; Indian governors and landlords whom the Spanish had respected their property and that had so far enjoyed special privilidges compared to the others of their caste. But since Juarez was one of them as well even their loyalty was split.
If the Americans don't suppourt Juarez it is likely the conservative gain power and establish a centralized republic jot much different from what Diaz did later on. Except the Church would enjoy more privileges.
The war of reform was much less about what type of government should Mexico have than about who should govern it the criollos or the mestizo.
 
The only way for the Empire could last was to get USA support. That would be difficult since it was a violation of the Monroe doctrine. Maybe if he (Max) offered them some type of deal on some more land. The French Army could not have kept the American army from kicking Max out. Just the threat of them being on the border was enough. But what type of a land deal would have the USA accepted that is a good question?
 
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