The French expanded their influence in Mexico with utter impunity, naturally arousing dissatisfaction across Mexican society. Maximilian I was drawn into the fray as well.
Failing to notice the shift in his own position, Maximilian adopted measures that intensified the conflict and tore through the paper-thin pretense.
He directly protested to Napoleon III: the French army was running wild and violating Mexico's sovereignty. The outcome, naturally, was tragic.
From France's standpoint, the actions of these French troops undoubtedly served French interests.
Napoleon III, ever adept at changing faces, ignored the protest. Instead, he accused Maximilian and the Mexican Government of being incapable of governing—even national stability was beyond them, forcing the French to do the job for them.
Both sides struck straight at the heart of the matter, engaging in a war of words. As their internal struggle escalated, the Republican rebels led by Juárez escaped disaster.
At their most critical moment, Juárez's Republican guerrillas had been reduced to merely a few hundred men, barely clinging to life deep in the mountains and forests.
Maximilian failed to recognize the threat posed by the rebels. He pardoned many Republican political prisoners and even had them deliver a letter to Juárez.
In the letter, he promised that as long as Juárez acknowledged his throne and abandoned armed rebellion, he would pardon every rebel.
Well, in truth, Maximilian admired patriotic men like Juárez. He hoped to resolve the matter peacefully and bring them into his own ranks.
Deep within a canyon, at the Mexican Free Army headquarters, Juárez warmly welcomed the comrades who had escaped disaster.
A middle-aged man said, "Mr. President, this is a letter from Maximilian for you."
Without question, Maximilian I's actions failed to achieve their intended effect. The pardoned political prisoners still did not recognize him as emperor, much