Inspired by the stability and prosperity he saw there, on 10 April 1864 he agreed to become emperor of the newly founded Mexican Empire, believing he could achieve the same results in Mexico.
Inspirado pola estabilidade e prosperidade que alí percibiu, o 1 de abril de 1864 aceptou converterse no emperador do recentemente fundado Imperio de México, considerando que podería acadar os mesmos resultados en México.