French economic dependence on the outcome is proposed as a way to make intervention more durable. That same dependence would make victory a necessity for France. French leaders would then have a stronger incentive to control military operations themselves. A larger Mexican army would give Maximilian the means to retain leadership while using French troops for assistance and advice. The proposed force balance therefore has a political purpose as well as a battlefield one.
Notable Point · 48:49-49:29
Why French economic commitment threatens Mexican command
Making victory indispensable to France could secure support while encouraging French leaders to take over the war.