WI: Maximilliano Affair Leads to War with the United States

What if instead of withdrawing from Mexico at the pressure of the US Army in 1865, the French refuse to bat to American pressure, maintain their presence there, which leads to a war between the two?
 
Well I doubt the US just finishing the civil war is going to go to war on behalf of Mexico. It would be expensive and get the US nothing. Funnel guns and money to Max? Sure. Invade Mexico to put Juarez back in power? Probably not since that kinda sends the wrong message to Mexicans.
 
Well I doubt the US just finishing the civil war is going to go to war on behalf of Mexico. It would be expensive and get the US nothing. Funnel guns and money to Max? Sure. Invade Mexico to put Juarez back in power? Probably not since that kinda sends the wrong message to Mexicans.

I mean, funneling guns and money is plenty, since in OTL France lost.

The real change is probably more gleeful cheering for Germany in 1871.
 
I mean, funneling guns and money is plenty, since in OTL France lost.

The real change is probably more gleeful cheering for Germany in 1871.

Well getting some officers to help train the Mexican Army would also help (Bazaine was kicking Juarista ass up and down Mexico through 63-65). Custer offered to at some point IIRC.

But yeah, definitely a pro-German attitude in this period.
 
I think it would be more plausible for Maximillian to sell Sonora, Chihuahua, and Baja California to the US. Bazaine et al had contained the Republican forces to those areas for some time.
 

TFSmith121

Banned
The French were beaten by the Mexicans once the

What if instead of withdrawing from Mexico at the pressure of the US Army in 1865, the French refuse to bat to American pressure, maintain their presence there, which leads to a war between the two?

The French were beaten by the Mexicans as soon as the U.S. was able to provide supplies and troops (unofficially, of course) in 1865, and the French knew it. There's no chance the French would escalate a war they were already losing into a debacle...

Best,
 
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