What Happened on Cinco de Mayo in Mexico? Why is this Day Celebrated in the United States? What is the Battle of Puebla? On May 5, 1862, the Battle of Puebla occurred, a conflict resulting from policies implemented by the Mexican President Benito Juárez. Observing Mexico’s poor economic situation, he decided to suspend debt payments to Spain, England, and France, as these accounted for 70 percent of the country’s economic resources.
As a result of President Benito Juárez’s decision, the three countries united and mobilized their troops to the Mexican Republic.
1. Why France Invaded Mexico
- Suspension of Mexico’s foreign debt payments: In 1861, Mexican President Benito Juárez suspended debt payments to several countries, including France. This led Napoleon III of France to feel aggrieved and seek a pretext to invade Mexico.
- France’s territorial ambition: Napoleon III was keen to expand French territory in the Americas, and Mexico, with its natural wealth and strategic geographic position, was an attractive target.
- France’s intention to install a puppet government in Mexico: France aimed to install a puppet government in Mexico that could protect French interests in the country and act as an ally in the region.
2. Cinco de Mayo: Causes of the Battle of Puebla
- Arrival of French forces in Mexico: In 1862, French forces under General Charles de Lorencez landed in Veracruz and began their advance towards Mexico City. The Mexican forces, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, mobilized to stop them.
- Defense of Mexican sovereignty and independence: The Battle of Puebla became a symbol of Mexican resistance against foreign invasion. The Mexican forces, mainly composed of peasants and volunteers, fought for the defense of their country and freedom.
- Numerical and armament superiority of the French forces: Despite their numerical and armament superiority, the French forces were defeated by the Mexican forces at the Battle of Puebla, thanks to their bravery and determination.
3. Who Participated in the Cinco de Mayo Battle of Puebla?
Manuel Vicente Doblado, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, managed to reach an agreement with Spain and England, and the Treaty of La Soledad was signed. However, France did not accept the deal and decided to invade Mexican lands on April 27, 1862, starting in Acutzingo, Veracruz.
Once on national territory, the French began to advance towards the outskirts of Puebla.
The main figures in the battle on May 5 were General Ignacio Zaragoza, Porfirio Díaz, the troops of the Eastern Army, and Charles Ferdinand Latrille, Count of Lorencez, leading the French army.
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4. The Beginning of the Battle of Puebla
At 9 a.m. on that May 5, with the firing of a Mexican cannon, one of the most glorious days in our national history began.
The French command focused its effort on the Fort of Guadalupe and launched an initial attack on this point. Despite the superior weaponry of General Charles Ferdinand Latrille, Count of Lorencez’s forces, they were stopped by the national troops.
The French attack on the Fort of Guadalupe was repeated twice more.
However, the Mexican soldiers managed to repel them on both occasions, thereby forcing the French retreat.
5. How Long Did the Battle of Puebla Last?
On the afternoon of that same May 5, the French Expeditionary Army began to be repelled by the Mexican troops and withdrew towards Amozoc. Against all expectations, the Mexican army defeated one of the most powerful troops of the 19th century, the French. This unexpected victory filled the Mexican people with glory and honor.
The world’s best army, the French, was defeated by Mexico’s first sons at the foothills of the Forts of Loreto and Guadalupe, in the city of Puebla.
6. What Happened After May 5?
The French returned the following year, in 1863, and a second battle was fought in Puebla where 35,000 French faced 29,000 Mexicans (a defense that lasted 62 days) and they managed to advance to Mexico City, which led to the establishment of the Second Mexican Empire.
7. What Did the United States Do About the French Invasion in Mexico?
Finally, after losing 11,000 men due to persistent guerrilla activity, the French unconditionally withdrew from the country in 1867 by the decree of Emperor Napoleon III, facing the threat of Prussia in Europe and the American threat to invade if they did not withdraw from Mexico.
The French invasion and the Battle of Puebla are considered one of the most important events in the history of Mexico.
