Abstract

Under the pretext of demanding the payment of some loans, France embarked on a difficult enterprise, the creation and maintenance of an empire in Mexico.

Napoleon III and Mexican conservatives offered the throne to Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg.

In support of the emperor came French forces (such as the Foreign Legion), the Belgian Volunteer Corps, the Imperial Volunteer Corps of Austria-Hungary, a Sudanese battalion and also people who entered them individually.

However, the organization of an imperial army was very difficult, economic, political and military problems would hinder its achievement.