A History, a Celebration, and a Culture

What do you see? What do you think is going on? What do you want to know?

Here are some unique facts about this important holiday: 1.) It is NOT a celebration of Mexico’s Independence from Spain, which is actually celebrated on ______________ 2.) It is widely celebrated in the U.S., especially in states with large Hispanic populations like _________, __________, and ____________, 3.) Cinco de Mayo celebrates the victory of one small battle in_____________. ArizonaTexasNew Mexico Puebla September 16th

Now do the short reading…… Remember your reading strategies and show them on your paper…..

A little background…. Puebla is located to the southeast of Mexico City

Key Figures That Made It All Possible Benito Juarez – President of Mexico Napoleon III Emperor of France Emperor Napoleon III wanted to form a great empire which would extend to America. Benito Juárez, a Zapotec Indian, was born and raised in extreme poverty. With hard work, determination, and strong love for his country, Juárez became the only Indian president of Mexico and defeated the French, who had occupied the country for five years

General Ignacio Zarazoga On May 5th, 1862, French General Conde de Lorencez attacked the city of Puebla, which was defended by: Known as “El heroe de México”, he led an army made up of mostly Indians to victory against the French at the battle of Puebla Why did these people get involved? How can a small group of people (or even just one person) make a difference? Can one victory can make a significant change?

The tragedy of Maximilian was that he assumed the crown of Mexico in good faith and full of the best intentions. He was upright and honest, and genuinely wanted to lead Mexico into an age of peace and prosperity. "I forgive everyone, and I ask everyone to forgive me. May my blood which is about to be shed, be for the good of the country. Viva Mexico, viva la independencia!" Maxmiliano – New Emperor of Mexico, assigned by Napoleon III in 1864 He was assassinated in 1867, after which Benito Juarez resumed his presidency. His last words were:

Questions to ponder…. How might things be different in the U.S. had Mexico lost the battle at Puebla? At Puebla the Mexicans had won a great victory and the French defeat kept Napoleon III from supplying the confederate rebels for another year. This allowed the United States to build the greatest army the world had ever seen. This grand army smashed the Confederates at Gettysburg just 14 months after the battle of Puebla, essentially ending the Civil War ( ). (HINT:) The French were supporting the South in the Civil War. Every action has its reaction!

Remember the Alamo! In 1835, the Alamo played a critical role in the Texas Revolution as Texian and Tejano volunteers claimed their independence from Mexico by occupying the Alamo and its village (today San Antonio). "Remember the Alamo!" became the battle cry that would help win Texas its independence. The Alamo defenders stood up to tyranny and paid the ultimate price. But the deaths of those brave defenders sparked a rallying cry at San Jacinto that helped create the Republic of Texas. "Yes, my friends, they preferred to die a thousand times than to live under the yoke of a tyrant." "Remember the Alamo!" Is the battle at Puebla like so many others?

Custer’s Last Stand The battle at Little Big Horn was the pinnacle of the Indians' power. They had achieved their greatest victory yet when they overcame a better equipped army led by General Custer. Although their union ultimately fell apart in the face of the white onslaught, this battle came to represent the unification and bravery that defined many Indian nations.

Tiananmen Square In 1989 the Chinese Government lost patience with a student movement calling for democracy in Tiananmen Square. They ordered the peoples army to turn their weapons on the student protestors. A young student got the world’s attention by standing in front of a moving line of tanks in protest of the military’s involvement in the protests. His single move was felt around the world and came to represent the strength of an entire nation. His solitary move challenged the legitimacy of an entire government and encouraged hope for democracy. Why is it important for citizens to be involved in the political process? Can one person make a difference? What are your reasons for saying so?

This is how Cinco de Mayo may be celebrated in Mexico or in the U.S. Bailes, Fiestas, and Desfiles

Música y Cabalgatas

Reconstrucciones y Mariachi

Cinco de Mayo…. The town where the battle was fought President of Mexico in 1862 Emperor of France El Heroe de México Ignacio Zarazoga Puebla Benito Juarez Maximiliano Napoleón III Named Emperor of Mexico, 1864 by Napoleon III

Now, looking back at this painting, what do you know about Cinco de Mayo (list three things in your own words?

If you alone could do one thing now to make a difference in the world, what would it be? How would your actions make a change for the better? What is your Civic Duty?

Homework: Complete the crossword on the back of your Cinco de Mayo article.