Welcome to Noble Blood, a production of I Heart Radio and Aaron Mankey.

Listener discretion is advised.

On June 19, 1867, Maximilian I, Emperor of Mexico, was executed by firing squad,

on a grassy hill outside of the city of Corretaro.

The Emperor and his few remaining conservative loyalists had barricaded themselves in the

city while Bonito Juarez and the liberal Mexican forces attacked.

Maximilian had prepared to make an escape across the enemy lines, but a spy tipped off his

opponents.

Maximilian was captured, and after a quick trial, he and his top two generals were sentenced

to death.

Before taking his position on the hill where he would be killed, Maximilian approached

the firing squad.

Speaking in Spanish, he told each of the men that he forgave them, and that he understood

that they were only doing their duty.

He also gave each man a gold coin and asked them not to shoot him in the face, so that Maximilian's

mother would be able to identify his body when it was finally returned to her in Austria

where he belonged.

Maximilian's final words echoed across the hilltop, his voice free from any tremors

of fear.

I forgave everyone, and I ask everyone to forgive me.

May my blood which is about to be shed before the good of the country.

Viva Mexico, Viva La Independencia.

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