Franco-Mexican War: Mexico City Captured!

June 7, 1863 - French troops under General Achille Bazaine enter Mexico City as part of the Franco-Mexican War. Started in January 1862, the conflict initially was the result of Mexican President Benito Juárez's suspension of interest payments on foreign debts. This angered France, Britain, and Spain who sent ships to blockade Mexican ports. When it became clear that France sought to conquer the country, Britain and Spain withdrew. After an initial defeat at the Battle of Puebla, the French proceeded to win a string of victories, with General Elie Frédéric Forey's troops finally capturing the city on May 17, 1863. On May 31, with the capital vulnerable, Juárez and the government fled to El Paso del Norte. Bazaine's men marched unopposed into Mexico City seven days later.

Over the next year and a half, French troops continued to battle the Mexicans with success, while a new imperial government was established under Maximilian of Habsburg(left). In 1865, with the American Civil War ended and the US able to enforce the Monroe Doctrine, the tide began to turn. The US government began to supply Juárez's men with weapons and supplies, positioned an army along the Rio Grande, and instituted a naval blockade to prevent French reinforcements from arriving. Unwilling to fight the US, the government of Napoleon III began to withdrawal French troops in 1866. Abandoned by the French, Maximilian and his forces were repeatedly beaten and driven back by Juárez's troops. After abandoning Mexico City, Maximilian was captured on May 15, 1867. The following month, after a court martial, he was executed restoring Juárez and his government to full power.

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