Cinco de Mayo

https://history.state.gov/milestones/1861-1865/french-intervention Apr 8, 2018 "In 1862, French Emperor Napoleon III maneuvered to establish a French client state in Mexico, and eventually installed Maximilian of Habsburg, Archduke of Austria, as Emperor of Mexico. Stiff Mexican resistance caused Napoleon III to order French withdrawal in 1867, a decision strongly encouraged by a United States recovered from its Civil War weakness in foreign affairs." United States Department of State

https://www.history.com/news/cinco-de-mayo-battle-puebla-civil-war  May 1, 2019 "When a small, scrappy Mexican force handed the French army a surprise defeat in 1862, the Confederacy was denied a potential ally." HISTORY

https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/general-grant-and-the-fight-to-remove-emperor-maximilian-from-mexico.htm Jan 14, 2021 "President Abraham Lincoln’s administration refused to recognize Maximilian and French meddling in Mexican affairs. Lincoln believed this move was a violation of the Monroe Doctrine, which warned European nations that the United States would not tolerate further meddling in Western Hemisphere countries. Conversely, the Confederacy welcomed Maximilian’s government as a possible ally in securing French recognition of the Confederacy. Although Maximilian’s presence in Mexico was unacceptable, President Lincoln had to walk a tight rope in his dealings with France." National Park Service

https://www.history.com/news/7-things-you-may-not-know-about-cinco-de-mayo May 3, 2012 "Get the facts on the Cinco de Mayo holiday, which marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla.1. Mexico had just gotten over a civil war in 1862. 2. European troops invaded because Mexico was broke. 3. France was considered extremely potent militarily when it attacked Mexico. 4. After losing the Battle of Puebla, France went on to win the war. 5. The French occupation of Mexico was short-lived. 6. Porfirio Díaz began making a name for himself at Puebla. 7. Cinco de Mayo is more widely celebrated in parts of the United States than in Mexico." HISTORY

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-may-06-mn-34646-story.html May 6, 1999 "Drawn in part by television and radio promotions, tens of thousands of youths converged on Knott’s Berry Farm on Wednesday for a Cinco de Mayo celebration, disrupting traffic and commerce and sparking scattered violence until hundreds of riot police restored order." LA Times

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoEBen2eV-Y May 4, 2013 Ever wonder why May 5th is celebrated in the U.S. and Mexico? Get the full story. #AskHistory​ HISTORY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIICWQyK72Y Apr 30, 2014 Cinco De Mayo commemorates the Mexican Army's successful defense of the city of Puebla against invading French forces in 1862. HISTORY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O20HgEL0t8I May 5, 2017 The 5th of May is Cinco De Mayo, a day when the Spanish army won a surprising victory over the French! PBS LEARNING MEDIA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQgwRyLyjqA May 4, 2016 For some, Cinco de Mayo is just an excuse to drink margaritas. So, we clear up some of the misconceptions about the holiday. NBC News

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEsiVJ8ql3k Apr 23, 2020 What is Cinco De Mayo | Cinco De May Celebration for Kids is an educational video for kids that teaches the history of Cinco De Mayo. Hey! Guess What

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAOG795Yrm8 Apr 22, 2018 A Brief History & Facts About Cinco De Mayo  Cinco de Mayo on Fifth of May is a commemoration of the victory of an outnumbered army of Mexicans over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla that took place May 5, 1862.  The triumph of the Mexicans proved to the world that their will to defend their nation’s sovereignty would prevail against a powerful foreign invader.

It is often mistaken as Mexico’s Independence Day, which, on the other hand, is celebrated every 16th of September.  Though Cinco de Mayo has become a relatively minor event in Mexico today, the United States of America significantly celebrates it by highlighting the Mexican-American culture.  It’s significance to world history is more than about having a day dedicated to feasting on Mexican Food, getting Margarita happy, and wearing loud sombreros; so to give you a better understanding of what Cinco de Mayo is all about,   Let’s take you back to where and how it all began - The American Civil War, experienced by the Latinos.  The Early 1860’s became witness to the time Mexico had become greatly indebted to France, Britain and Spain as a result of the Mexican-American War and Reform War.   Mexican President Benito Juárez suspended the payment of Mexico’s foreign debts for 2 years and only France turned down the notion for a negotiation.  Napoleon III, then ruler of France, saw this as an opportunity to build The Second Mexican Empire in Mexico with France reaping the benefits.  During the latter part of 1861, France’s fleet attacked Veracruz and halted Juarez and his government.

In May 1862, The French force led by General Charles de Lorencez attacked Mexico City but were resisted by General Ignacio Zaragoza’s strong-willed Mexican troops near Puebla de los Angeles.   2,000 poorly-equipped Mexican fighters stood against the 6,000 well-armed French men, known as “the world’s premier army”.   Nearly 500 French soldiers and fewer than 100 Mexicans had been killed in the battle that went on from dawn til dusk. Sensing the obvious defeat, the French force retreated.  Mexico’s determination, unity and patriotism won over France’s brutal force. A much-needed morale boost not only to the Mexican army but to Mexico as a nation.

There’s so much to tell about what took place in Puebla but what needs to be remembered has probably been forgotten by most of those who should be passing the story on.  Mexico may have lost battles after that great victory, but Cinco de Mayo will always be a reminder to everyone that a grain of hope, no matter how small and insignificant to others, can make the impossible, possible.