Blog Post 16

In 1861, Benito Juarez (1806 - 1872) was the president of Mexico. Mexico had a lot of financial problems. They couldn't pay the money that they had to pay other countries. It must have been a lot of money to three countries : France, Spain, and England.

France, Spain, and England sent naval ships to Veracruz, Mexico to demand the money. England and Spain spoke and negotiated with the leaders of Mexico. But the leader of France, Napoleon III saw an opportunity. He saw that he could convert Mexico to a French Empire. He could dominate Mexico.

Napoleon sent a big fleet of ships, weapons, and soldiers to Mexico. The French was very prepared and very powerful. The president Benito Juarez went north of Mexico to escape from the French soldiers.

The French had no fear. They thought the the Mexicans would not cause them a lot of problems. 6000 French troops marched to attack the city of Puebla. In the north, Benito Juarez forms a group of 2000 soldiers. The general Ignacio Zaragoza was going to be the leader of the soldiers. They were not professional soldiers. They were not prepared. But the Mexicans had a lot of heart and no fear. They had to protect to city of Puebla. Zaragoza and the men prepared to defend the city.


The French advanced to the city and assaulted to the north. The battle lasted all day. 500 french soldiers died in the battle, and 100 Mexican soldiers died. The french left from the city. The Mexicans celebrated the victory.

The battle from Puebla was not very important historically. France eventually dominated Mexico. But for Mexico, It was a very symbolic victory. It was symbolic of the unity and from patriotism of the people of Mexico.

France dominated Mexico for six years. The French leader of Mexico was named Ferdinand Maximiliano. In 1867, the soldiers of Benito Juarez captured Maxmiliano and he died.

There is a day, the 5th of May's not an important day in Mexico. There is no official festival day. But in the east of Puebla, where the victory occurred, there are many parties and events to see that day.

In the United States, the 5th of May is a very popular day, especially in areas with many Latina people. It's a a celebration of the Mexican Culture. There are parties, Mexican food, mariachi music, and the typical dances of Mexico.

Many people thought that the 5th of May is the day of independence of Mexico. But that is incorrect. Mexico declared independence of Spain the 16th of September 1810.