Why Mexican conservatives chose a liberal emperor

French approval made Maximilian's acceptance of the Mexican crown possible. Mexican conservatives wanted to displace the liberal government and sought a figurehead with European royal connections. Their expectation of a forceful Austrian ruler collided with Maximilian's liberal inclinations and dissatisfaction with restrictive Austrian society. Disputed claims about his fertility raise a further question about dynastic continuity. Several possible explanations of Charlotte's illness are also raised, including her upbringing and medical treatment in Mexico, without establishing either a diagnosis or the intentions of her doctors.