Cinco de Mayo History

The History of Cinco de Mayo

What is CInco de Mayo? It all started on May 5, 1862, when the Mexicans emerged victorious over the French at the Battle of Puebla. In 1861, Mexico declared a suspension on repayment for foreign debts, which had Spanish, French, and English soldiers invade Mexico. Eventually, by April 1862, the English and Spanish decided to stop the attacks on mexico. However, the French, with support from wealthy landowners, still attempted to establish a monarchy under Maximillian of Austria, and to steal some U.S. power in North America. On May 5th, 1862, a poorly-unequipped mestizo and Zapotec team defeated the French, also killing 1000 French soldiers, under Ignacio Zaragosa. Although the fighting wouldn’t stop and the French wouldn’t leave for another five years, this was a symbol for Mexican resistance and domination. After the fighting was over, the city, which was later renamed Puebla de Zaragoza, is the site of the museum dedicated to the battle, and where the battlefield was is maintained as a park.
During the mid-20 century in the United States, celebrating Cinco de Mayo became popular among Mexican Immigrants, as a way to encourage Mexican Pride for their heritage. Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence day, although people have both events confused. This is the amazing and inspiring story of Cinco de Mayo.