1. How the holiday has progressed through the passage of time…
Cinco de mayo
How the holiday has progressed through the passage of time…

2. A quick history…
Cinco de mayo celebrates Mexico’s victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
In Mexico, it is celebrated in Puebla. In the United States, it is celebrated in parts of the country with a large Hispanic population.
It is NOT Mexican Independence Day.

3. A quick history…
Between gaining independence from Spain in 1821, the Mexican-American War ( ) and the Mexican Civil War (1858), Mexico was in debt by the 1860s.
Mexico asked England, Spain and France to allow postponement in payment of debts. Spain and England would eventually become more lenient, but the French, eager to expand its empire, invaded when Mexico stopped making payment.

4. A quick history…
The French invaded through Veracruz, 600 miles from their target, Mexico City.
They were met with heavy resistance at the small town of Puebla.

5. A quick history…
At Puebla, the Mexicans were lead by General Ignacio Zaragoza. Their poorly organized troop of 4,500 was able to defeat the 6,000-strong French army.

6. Charge of the Mexican Cavalry at the Battle of Puebla
by Mike Manning

7. A quick history…
Upon hearing news of the victory of Puebla, Napoleon III (nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte) sent 30,000 more troops to Mexico.
Through the next year, the French army were able to defeat Mexican forces.
On April 10, 1864, backed by Napoleon III, Maximilian was installed as Emperor of Mexico.

8. Portrait of Maximilian as Emperor of Mexico
by Franz Winterhalter, 1864

9. The Aftermath
Maximilian’s rule only lasted from 1864 to With the end of the U.S. Civil War, we were more able to help Mexico expel the French and rebuild its country.

10. The celebration
Cinco de mayo is celebrated as a remembrance of Mexican unity and bravery as they fought and defeated the much-larger French army.
Today, the United States has taken to commercialize the holiday. Eating Mexican food and a general air of “fiesta” are common on and around May 5.

11. Your assignment …
How has the meaning of cinco de mayo changed between 1862 and now?

12. Your assignment …
You and a partner will create a 2-D museum display on poster paper. Think of this as a sketch or proposal of a real display in a history museum.
The purpose of your display will be:
to educate the public on the real history of May 5 (DO NOT COPY from the article! Summarize facts in your own words) and
address any myths or stereotypes about Mexicans and the celebration of this holiday.
Include pictures! This is a museum display 
Due at the end of class Thursday, May 7. Some groups may present on Friday.