Which French emperor’s reign overlapped the Battle of Puebla?

Napoleon III was the French emperor during the Battle of Puebla. He ruled the Second French Empire from 1852 until 1870 and supported France’s military intervention in Mexico.

The intervention began after Mexico suspended payments on foreign debts in 1861. Britain, France, and Spain initially sent forces to pressure the Mexican government, but Britain and Spain withdrew after reaching an understanding with Mexico. France continued the campaign and pursued the larger goal of installing a monarchy.

Napoleon III backed Archduke Maximilian of Austria as Mexico’s emperor. French troops eventually occupied Mexico City and supported the Second Mexican Empire, while Benito Juárez maintained the republican resistance.

The Puebla defeat delayed French plans but did not end them. Napoleon III later withdrew French troops, leaving Maximilian’s regime without its essential military support. Maximilian was captured and executed in 1867.