Today in History - June 19: Emperor could have escaped execution if he was willing to shave his beard
Maximilian's support bled away quickly, with his own ideas as a liberal reformer clashing with his conservative supporters' desires, and the US backing the ousted republican government as the legitimate authority in Mexico.
In the face of increased US pressure after the end of the Civil War, the French withdrew military support and Mexican republicans re-took the country and captured the Emperor.
Despite international pleas for clemency, and thanks in part to his own refusal to take part in an escape plan (at least partially because he felt it undignified to shave his eye-catching beard), Maximilian faced the firing squad as ordered by President Benito Juarez.
His last words were: "I forgive everyone, and I ask everyone to forgive me.
"May my blood which is about to be spilled end the bloodshed which has been experienced in my new motherland.
"Long live Mexico! Long live its independence!"
British Home Secretary Robert Peel introduced a bill in parliament to create a police force on June 19, 1829.
The Metropolitan Police Force proved successful in reducing crime in London when it was formed.
Its officers were colloquially named after Robert Peel in two different ways.
Admirers referred to them as Bobbies. Detractors more often used the word Peelers.
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