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 6,500-8,000 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

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Cinco de mayo celebrations While Cinco de Mayo is a national holiday in Mexico, it is mainly observed in the state capital of Puebla.

US Celebrations The largest Cinco de Mayo event in the world is held in Los Angeles, California, where more than 600,000 people celebrate with music and food. The event is called Festival de Fiesta Broadway.

The Cinco de Mayo festival in Chandler, Arizona, is known for its Chihuahuas! There are Chihuahua parade, races and pageants. At the end, a King and Queen of the Chihuahuas are crowned.

There aren’t any specific foods associated with Cinco de Mayo, but traditional Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, burritos, tamales, guacamole and tacos are popular. Mole is also popular!

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İViva Mexico!