Maximilian Executed at Querétaro — Republic Restored Under Juárez

Austrian Archduke Maximilian von Habsburg, installed as Emperor of Mexico by Napoleon III's French forces, was captured at Querétaro after US-backed Liberal forces (flush with post-Civil War weapons and volunteers) crushed French intervention. He was executed by firing squad on June 19, 1867, alongside Generals Miramón and Mejía. Edouard Manet's famous painting commemorated the execution. Benito Juárez, the Zapotec liberal president who had governed in exile, returned to Mexico City in triumph.