Page "Mexican Empire" Paragraph 11

Napoleon III decided to revive the Mexican monarchy.

He wanted to place a fellow emperor on the throne who would promote the interests of France.

Prior to 1861 any interference in the affairs of Mexico by any of the European powers would have been viewed as a challenge to the Monroe Doctrine of the United States.

However, in 1861, the United States became entangled in the American Civil War and thus was unable to enforce the Doctrine.

Encouraged by the Empress Eugenie, who saw herself as the champion of the beleaguered Catholic Church in Mexico, Napoleon III took advantage of the situation.