CNN Español
—
May 5 is a very important date in the United States, especially in border areas with Mexico. The smells of traditional dishes, the sound of ranches and colors wraps cities in a unique way, but – despite what many Americans think – on May 5 it is not the country’s independence day, but on this date the battle of Puebla is commemorated. Here we explain the true history of May 5.
Between 1858 and 1861 the war of reform was fought, a confrontation between conservatives and liberals that left the country in a great economic crisis, as recorded by the National Human Law Commission of Mexico.
The lack of capital led to then President Benito Juárez to request a period of two years to pay the debts he had with Spain, England and France.
Given this panorama, the three European countries decided to join to send troops to Mexico and seek their money by force. For Juarez’s fate, this never happened, because Mexico promised, through the treaties of loneliness, to make pending payments and Spain and England withdrew their troops.
However, France broke the agreement and on May 5, 1862 an armed invasion began on the outskirts of Puebla.
The Mexican Army was led by General Ignacio Zaragoza and had only 5,000 men, including indigenous and volunteers without training, according to the CNDH with data from the documents of the National Defense Secretariat. On the other hand, the French troops, led by the Count of Lorencez, exceeded them not only in number, with about 6,000 soldiers, but also in experience and weapons.
Although everything pointed to the troops sent by Napoleon III were to succeed, the Mexican army won with courage and courage, which led them to sing victory that May 5, 1862.
During the war conflict, General Zaragoza sent telegrams to President Benito Juárez. The last one calculated between 600 and 700 French dead and injured, while around 400 soldiers fell in Mexican troops.
Although a year later the French took Mexico and established a brief empire in which Emperor Maximiliano reigned, the battle of Puebla was an important triumph that claimed the independence of the country while aroused feelings of courage and patriotism in all Mexicans.
Related news :