Cinco de Mayo: 5 th of May Celebrating the Mexican Victory at the Battle of Puebla 1862

Setting the Stage… Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821 and struggled through the American War 1846 – 1848 and the Mexican Civil War of 1858 These events ruined Mexico’s economy Mexico was in debt to France for loaning them money to fight these wars and France demanded repayment

France’s Expanding Empire Since Mexico owed them money, France demanded that Mexico grant French leadership within the Mexican government as a way of expanding their empire Mexico refused and stopped making loan repayments Napoleon, France’s ruler, sent his relative, Archduke Maximillian, to take over and control Mexico

The French Invasion France invaded Mexico at the Gulf Coast along the state of Veracruz The French began to march toward Mexico City

Mexican Resistance Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin organized a group of 4,500 Zapotec Indians and Mestizo farmers to fight against the French.

Mexican Militia The Mexican army had excellent horses, but very few guns and weapons. They fought using farming equipment such as hoes and machetes as well as sticks and rocks.

French Army The French had 6,500 soldiers compared to the 4,500 Mexicans The French were equipped with guns, ammunition, were well-trained and had a many horses

Mexican Victory! The French cavalry were distracted and led off by the Mexican cavalry Meanwhile, the French infantry attacked the Mexican defenders through mud from a recent thunderstorm and through hundreds of stampeding cattle led by Indians armed only with machetes The French were brutally defeated

American Involvement The American government sent guns and ammunition to the Mexican soldiers to help them drive the French out for good Mexicans fought side by side with the Americans and formed a bond of friendship and trust between the two governments

Cinco de Mayo A celebration of freedom and liberty Honors the bravery and resilience of a small, outnumbered militia Proves that common people can be strong and powerful when united in a common goal Celebrates the bond created between Mexico and the U.S.

İViva Mexico!