Which Mexican city became the capital of the Second Mexican Empire?

Mexico City became the capital of the Second Mexican Empire. French forces captured the city in 1863, and Maximilian established his imperial government there after accepting the Mexican throne in 1864.

The capital’s occupation was a major turning point in the French intervention. Control of Mexico City gave the empire an administrative center, but it did not give Maximilian control over the entire country. Republican forces under Benito Juárez continued operating and contesting imperial authority.

Maximilian and Carlota used Chapultepec Castle as their principal residence in the capital. The city also became the setting for imperial ceremonies, government offices, and efforts to present the new monarchy as legitimate.

Mexico City had been the center of Mexican government before the intervention and returned to republican control after the empire collapsed. It remains Mexico’s national capital today.