The History Behind Cinco de Mayo


Cinco de Mayo is often confused with Mexico’s Independence Day. It’s not -  Mexico declared independence from Spain on September 16, 1810. Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely defeat of invading French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
Mexican Independence Day Celebrations in Mexico City (Photo: MySanAntonio.com)
 While many look at Cinco de Mayo as a chance to party it up, there’s actually some interesting history behind it that involves the American Civil War. It’s a lso a story that parallels America’s own struggles for freedom from European monarchical rule.
American Civil War Soldiers, Matthew Brady (Photo: History.com)
During the early 1860′s, with the American Civil War raging, the French Emperor Napoleon III saw an opportunity for France in a weaker, divided America.
French Emporer Napoleon III (Photo: Wikipedia)
 Napoleon III had significant interest in halting the development of new American nation as its expansion was threatening to older world powers. If he could conquer Mexico, the possibility of marching north to support the Confederates and dividing the United States into two smaller and less threatening countries was real possibility. At the time, the Confederacy was doing well, and if the French could help the Confederates break the Union’s blockade of ports, the tide could turn for the South.
 In late 1861, Napoleon III’s 6,000 French troops invaded Veracruz, Mexico and eventually pushed on in the spring to a town called Puebla. Meanwhile, the Mexicans rallied an army of 2,000 troops led under Texas-born General Ignacio Zaragoza and met the French head-on to defend Puebla on May 5, 1862.
Veracruz2
 Outnumbered 3 to 1, the Mexicans held the French to a draw over the course of an entire day of fighting.
Battle of Puebla (Photo: Wikipedia)
Unfortunately for Napoleon III, the Mexican forces had completely stymied France’s attempts to dominate the Americas. And thanks to the Mexicans’ successful defense of Puebla, the French were never able to aid the Confederacy. The Union secured victory over the unaided Confederacy in April 1865.
Confederate Surrender at Appomattox, Tom Lovell (Photo: EncylopediaVirginia.org)
 After the American Civil War was over, American political and military resources were diverted to help the Mexicans expel the French completely from Mexico in 1867, securing freedom for both nations from European rule.
 Today, the holiday is celebrated in both Mexico and America with traditional Mexican parties, music, and food. The battle is sporadically celebrated in Mexico but has gained major popularity in America.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration (Photo: Britannica.com)
As we celebrate Cinco de Mayo with our friends and family, we remember the inspirational story of the Battle of Puebla. Mexico and the United States share roles in their respective fights for freedom from oppressive occupiers. It’s in that shared spirit that Mexico and the United States celebrate Cinco de Mayo today.

Views: 213

Reply to This

"Destroying the New World Order"

TOP CONTENT THIS WEEK

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE SITE!

mobile page

12160.info/m

12160 Administrators

 

Latest Activity

Doc Vega commented on tjdavis's video
Thumbnail

Looker (1981) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]

"Alert Finney did some cool movies back then another one was "Wolfen"! "
40 minutes ago
Doc Vega favorited tjdavis's video
41 minutes ago
Doc Vega favorited tjdavis's video
41 minutes ago
tjdavis posted videos
19 hours ago
GeneralCarlosQ17 posted a status
"The Misappropriation of Funding is FRAUD pure and simple. https://generalcarlosq17.substack.com/p/the-misappropriation-of-funding-is"
21 hours ago
Doc Vega posted blog posts
22 hours ago
tjdavis posted photos
yesterday
tjdavis posted a blog post
yesterday
Doc Vega posted a photo

Note to Self About Ex's

A detailed list of how men should be treated by a woman not taken for granted or abused.
Sunday
Less Prone favorited Doc Vega's blog post Are We Really in a Simulation?
Sunday
GeneralCarlosQ17 posted a status
"Research Government Spending here. Where are Your Tax Dollars going? Who is getting Them? https://datarepublican.com/"
Sunday
Doc Vega posted blog posts
Saturday
Doc Vega commented on Doc Vega's blog post Are We Really in a Simulation?
"tj Davis, thank you for your support! "
Saturday
Doc Vega commented on Doc Vega's blog post The Redondo Trench, UAP’s, and EMP Triangles
"cheeki kea You might recall the book "Brighter Than  A Thousand Suns" written by a…"
Saturday
Doc Vega commented on Doc Vega's blog post Rita Attains Sentience (Updated)
"Less Prone thank you so much for your support! "
Saturday
Less Prone favorited Sandy's video
Saturday
Less Prone favorited Doc Vega's blog post Rita Attains Sentience (Updated)
Saturday
tjdavis's 2 blog posts were featured
Saturday
Doc Vega's 4 blog posts were featured
Saturday
cheeki kea's blog post was featured

General Dynamics Was Contracted By Pentagon To Run An Anti-Vaccine Psyop? Deep insight from a reader comment...

 A top notch comment from a Substack post. I nominate this individual as as commenter of the year…See More
Saturday

© 2025   Created by truth.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service

content and site copyright 12160.info 2007-2019 - all rights reserved. unless otherwise noted