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"Habsburgs On the Rio Grande: The Rise and Fall of the Second Mexican Empire" by Raymond Jonas is a book that explores the transnational history of Mexico's Second Empire between 1861 and 1867. The author examines the global reverberations and connections that shaped Mexican history during this period, particularly the destabilizing effect of US encroachment under the guise of Manifest Destiny. The book delves into the intrigues and imperialist ambitions that led to a European invasion of Mexico, the short-lived restoration of monarchy, and the tragic fate of Maximilian von Habsburg and his wife Charlotte. It also highlights the diverse group of actors involved in this historical moment, including British bondholders, European volunteers, former Confederates, and German immigrants. While the book provides a comprehensive and well-illustrated account of Mexico's Second Empire, it focuses more on individual character portraits rather than the broader geopolitical and ideological transformations of the time. Nonetheless, it offers valuable insights into this complex and interconnected episode in history. [Extracted from the article]