Charlotte of Belgium was the beautiful and bright only daughter of the first King of Belgium. Her life looked to be joyous too, when she fell in love with a Hapsburg Archduke, Maximilian of Austria. The couple’s numerous royal connections even got them a incredible job opportunity, to become the rulers of the newly established Empire of Mexico. They crossed the Atlantic full of tropical, turquoise dreams of being hailed as heroes. But they quickly discovered that they were philosophically opposed to the small percentage of Mexicans who actually wanted them there. As the Empire crumbled, Carlota made a desperate return to Europe to beg for help. Only to be met with cold rejection, which ensured Maximilian’s demise and drove Carlota to the depths of mental illness. Let’s get to know Empress Carlota of Mexico and The Tragically Short Hapsburg Mexican Empire. Plus the History behind Cinco de Mayo.

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Intro Music: Baroque Coffee House by Doug Maxwell

Music: Music: Laid Back Guitars by Kevin MacLeod

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