How did Maximilian die?

How did Maximilian die?

• A. Firing squad
• B. Natural causes
• C. Beheaded
• D. Died in exile

Answer: (A)

This question tests knowledge of the fate of Maximilian I of Mexico during the French intervention era. Maximilian was installed as Emperor of Mexico with French backing in 1864, but when French support waned, Mexican Republican forces captured him at Querétaro in 1867. He was executed by firing squad there, while still a prisoner of the Mexican Republic. This makes the firing squad the accurate answer. He did not die of natural causes, nor was he beheaded, and he did not die simply “in exile” the way the term is sometimes used in other contexts—the historical record notes his execution as a captive, not a death in exile.

This question tests knowledge of the fate of Maximilian I of Mexico during the French intervention era. Maximilian was installed as Emperor of Mexico with French backing in 1864, but when French support waned, Mexican Republican forces captured him at Querétaro in 1867. He was executed by firing squad there, while still a prisoner of the Mexican Republic. This makes the firing squad the accurate answer. He did not die of natural causes, nor was he beheaded, and he did not die simply “in exile” the way the term is sometimes used in other contexts—the historical record notes his execution as a captive, not a death in exile.