The History Behind Cinco de Mayo You Might Not Know

Cinco de Mayo is often confused with Mexico’s Independence Day. It’s not –  Mexico declared independence from Spain on September 16, 1810. Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely defeat of invading French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

Mexican Independence Day Celebrations in Mexico City (Photo: MySanAntonio.com)

While many look at Cinco de Mayo as a chance to party it up, there’s actually some interesting history behind it that involves the American Civil War. It’s a lso a story that parallels America’s own struggles for freedom from European monarchical rule.

American Civil War Soldiers, Matthew Brady (Photo: History.com)

During the early 1860’s, with the American Civil War raging, the French Emperor Napoleon III saw an opportunity for France in a weaker, divided America.

French Emporer Napoleon III (Photo: Wikipedia)

Napoleon III had significant interest in halting the development of new American nation as its expansion was threatening to older world powers. If he could conquer Mexico, the possibility of marching north to support the Confederates and dividing the United States into two smaller and less threatening countries was real possibility. At the time, the Confederacy was doing well, and if the French could help the Confederates break the Union’s blockade of ports, the tide could turn for the South.

(Photo: SoldierStudies.org)

In late 1861, Napoleon III’s 6,000 French troops invaded Veracruz, Mexico and eventually pushed on in the spring to a town called Puebla. Meanwhile, the Mexicans rallied an army of 2,000 troops led under Texas-born General Ignacio Zaragoza and met the French head-on to defend Puebla on May 5, 1862.

Outnumbered 3 to 1, the Mexicans held the French to a draw over the course of an entire day of fighting.

Battle of Puebla (Photo: Wikipedia)

Unfortunately for Napoleon III, the Mexican forces had completely stymied France’s attempts to dominate the Americas. And thanks to the Mexicans’ successful defense of Puebla, the French were never able to aid the Confederacy. The Union secured victory over the unaided Confederacy in April 1865.

Confederate Surrender at Appomattox, Tom Lovell (Photo: EncylopediaVirginia.org)

After the American Civil War was over, American political and military resources were diverted to help the Mexicans expel the French completely from Mexico in 1867, securing freedom for both nations from European rule.

(Photo: www.larednoticias.com)

Today, the holiday is celebrated in both Mexico and America with traditional Mexican parties, music, and food. The battle is sporadically celebrated in Mexico but has gained major popularity in America.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration (Photo: Britannica.com)

As we celebrate Cinco de Mayo with our friends and family, we remember the inspirational story of the Battle of Puebla. Mexico and the United States share roles in their respective fights for freedom from oppressive occupiers. It’s in that shared spirit that Mexico and the United States celebrate Cinco de Mayo today.