Alexander Cekala5th of May: Today in History
Well, when searching for the most popular events that occured today in history I couldn't escape from:
The Cinco de Mayo: This holiday celebrates the battle at Puebla, which took place in 1862. This battle saw a major victory for the Mexican army against the French. This battle (briefly) stopped French invasion of the country.
If all you wanted was a brief, what happened on this day, then there you have it, although I also think it is important to note that in 1821, on this day, Napoleon Bonaparte passed away. It even rhymes so it must be true.
However, if you want a little more detail then read on:
Background:
In 1821 Mexico achieved independence from Spain after much fighting. Following this Mexico experienced tumultous times, with internal problems and a war with America. All of this placed a huge drain on its monetary resources and it was forced to loan from a number of governments.
France used Mexico's inability to pay back loans as an excuse to install its own ruler in Mexico.
The French March
6 500 French troops rapidly marched across Mexico, aiming to take Mexico city before any defence could be mustered. A militia of 4 500 Mexican's met them and, at the battle of Puebla, defeated them.
This battle was won.
The victory was, of course, due to a number of factors. Mexican tenacity played a role, but so did their strategies and the lie of the terrain.
Repercussions
The French then sent another 30 000 troops, who crushed resistance and took control of Mexico, installing Maximilian of Austria as ruler.
The United States, which had previously been embroiled in civil war, began to send aid to the Mexican's, supporting their army against the French. With this help the Mexican's made French rule short lived.
So
A brief post, but if that has interested you then I encourage you to go forth and read more on the topic, or request that I do more Mexican history.
Long live Mexico,
Adam
The Cinco de Mayo: This holiday celebrates the battle at Puebla, which took place in 1862. This battle saw a major victory for the Mexican army against the French. This battle (briefly) stopped French invasion of the country.
If all you wanted was a brief, what happened on this day, then there you have it, although I also think it is important to note that in 1821, on this day, Napoleon Bonaparte passed away. It even rhymes so it must be true.
However, if you want a little more detail then read on:
Background:
In 1821 Mexico achieved independence from Spain after much fighting. Following this Mexico experienced tumultous times, with internal problems and a war with America. All of this placed a huge drain on its monetary resources and it was forced to loan from a number of governments.
France used Mexico's inability to pay back loans as an excuse to install its own ruler in Mexico.
The French March
6 500 French troops rapidly marched across Mexico, aiming to take Mexico city before any defence could be mustered. A militia of 4 500 Mexican's met them and, at the battle of Puebla, defeated them.
This battle was won.
The victory was, of course, due to a number of factors. Mexican tenacity played a role, but so did their strategies and the lie of the terrain.
Repercussions
The French then sent another 30 000 troops, who crushed resistance and took control of Mexico, installing Maximilian of Austria as ruler.
The United States, which had previously been embroiled in civil war, began to send aid to the Mexican's, supporting their army against the French. With this help the Mexican's made French rule short lived.
So
A brief post, but if that has interested you then I encourage you to go forth and read more on the topic, or request that I do more Mexican history.
Long live Mexico,
Adam
