Chapter 83: Saving Maximilian I
On June 19, 1867, as compared to Juarez, Maximilian I was not known for his political acumen. Supported by Mexican conservative forces and Napoleon III, he largely followed republican policies during his rule.
However, Juarez's resurgence eventually led to Maximilian I's downfall, with the former imprisoning the latter. Had Ernst become the emperor of Mexico, he would have supported local conservatives, worked to stabilize the French presence, and actively suppressed revolutionaries.
Ernst understood that in politics, promises of benefits to local dignitaries often led to electoral success. Even if corrupt leaders fled abroad, their descendants could eventually return to their homeland and seek re-election. Political struggles were about survival, and one's fundamental interests couldn't be ignored.
Maximilian I, as a second-generation monarch, had implemented an idealistic administrative model, although he might not have been the best emperor. Ernst admired his integrity and the fact that he didn't flee after his failure.
Moreover, as Ernst's father-in-law, he couldn't simply stand by while Maximilian I faced execution.
In the early hours of the morning, at the execution ground, Maximilian I was about to give his final speech before his death when a series of explosions rocked the area. The execution ground's wall was blasted open, and Mexican soldiers dressed as Indians shouted slogans in support of Emperor Maximilian.
The chaos allowed Roy Lee, a graduate of Hechingen Military Academy, to fire several shots, preventing Mexican soldiers from organizing a counterattack.
Masked men on horses, resembling Mexican desperados, stormed the execution ground and quickly seized Maximilian I, stuffing him into a sack.
With a whistle, all the students from Hechingen Military Academy who had orchestrated the rescue fled the scene on horses, continuing to fire at the bewildered Mexican soldiers.
The Mexican authorities watched helplessly as Maximilian I was kidnapped, along with some unfortunate execution ground officials who lost their lives.
Later, Juarez received the news of Maximilian I's kidnapping with great anger. He demanded information about the kidnappers' identities.
Despite the confusion surrounding the incident, it was suspected that the attackers were Mexican desperados hired by the French. The Indian characteristics of the attackers provided cover for their true identities.
Maximilian I, meanwhile, was stuffed into a carriage and transported to the west coast of Mexico. He realized he had been rescued but couldn't communicate with his rescuers.
The mission of the Hechingen Military Academy students was clear: to bring Maximilian I back to Europe safely. Ernst had emphasized that Maximilian I should be treated as a mere object to prevent any mishaps.
After a day and night of frantic travel, they finally reached the agreed-upon coastal location, where a Hexingen ocean-going ship awaited. A small boat ferried the students and Maximilian I to the ship.
With the sound of steam engines, the ship departed from Mexico, bound for Alaska, and everyone onboard was safe.
(End of Chapter 83)