Blog Post16

The History of May 5th

In 1861, Benito Juarez (1806-1872) was the president of Mexico. Mexico has many financial problems. It could not pay the money they had to pay to the other countries. They owed lot of money to France, Spain, and England.

France, Spain, and England sent naval boats to Veracruz, Mexico to demand the money. England and Spain spoke and negotiated with the leaders of Mexico. But the leader of France, Napoleon 3 saw an opportunity. He saw that he could convert Mexico to a French empire to dominate Mexico.

Napoleon sent a large fleet of boats, weapons, and soldiers to Mexico. The French were very prepared and very powerful. The president, Benito Juarez, went to north Mexico to escape the French soldiers.


The French had no fear. They thought the Mexicans would not cause lots of problems. 6,000 French troops marched to attack the city of Puebla.

In the north, Benito Juarez formed a group of 2,000 soldiers. the general Ignacio Zaragoza was going to be leader of the soldiers. The soldiers weren't professional. The soldiers weren't prepared. But the Mexicans had a lot of heart and no fear. They had to protect the city of Puebla! Zaragoza and his men were prepared for defending the city.

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



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

France dominated mexico during 6 years. The French leader of Mexico named Ferdinand Maximilano. In 1867, the soldiers of Benito Juarez captured Maximiliano and killed him.

Nowadays, the 5th of May is not very important in Mexico. It is not an official holiday. but in the state of Puebla, where the victory occurred, there are a lot of parties and event for observing the day.

In the United States, the 5th of May is a popular day, especially in areas with lots of Latino people. It is a celebration of the Mexican culture. There are parties, Mexican food, mariachi music, and typical dancing of mexico.

Lots of people think that the fifth of May is the independence day of Mexico. But that is incorrect.Mexico declared its independence from Spain in September 16, 1810.