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Many people get Mexico's Independence Day and Cinco de mayo confused. Mexico's Independence Day is September 16th....when they began the revolution against Spain in 1810. Cinco de mayo occured 52 years later and it was against the French.
In the 1850s, Mexico needed to borrow money from several countries. When the countries started asking for the return of their money, Mexico was able to negotiate an extension with all countries, except France. France basically told them....if we don't receive our money, we will take your country. So....
In the year 1862, a French army was heading towards Mexico City to overtake it; thus, taking control of the country.
During this time, the Mexicans from Spanish descent and the Mexicans from Indian descent did not get along well. In fact they would fight each other. However, when the approximate 500 Mexicans from Indian descent and the approximate 500 Mexicans from Spanish descent heard a French army of about 4,000 was heading their way,....they decided to band together and fight against the French.
This battle took place in the city of Puebla (about 70 miles from Mexico City) on the 5th of May (cinco de mayo) and the Mexicans were able to defeat the larger French army!!
This defeat only lasted for a year, because the French came back in 1863 and took control of Mexico. The battle of Puebla; however, may have had a major affect on the history of the United States. It was at this time the U.S. was involved in its Civil War. The French liked the Confederates, so, if the French had won, more weapons, food, etc. would have been given to the Confederate army. So, this possibly could have changed the outcome of the Civil War. |
