Historian Rick Britton talks with Les Sinclair about: THIS WEEK IN NORTH AMERICAN HISTORY – Cinco de Mayo, celebrated on May 5, commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862.
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is oftentimes mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day—September 16—and has taken on a significance beyond that in Mexico: it has become a celebration of Mexican-American culture.
In the 1850’s two wars nearly bankrupted the Mexican Treasury. On July 17, 1861, Mexican President Benito Juárez issued a moratorium stating that all foreign debt payments would be suspended for two years. In response, Britain, France, and Spain sent naval forces to demand reimbursement. Britain and Spain negotiated with Mexico and withdrew, but France, at the time ruled by Napoleon III, decided to use the opportunity to establish an empire in Mexico.
Late in 1861, a French fleet landed a large French force at Veracruz, driving President Juárez and his government into retreat. Moving on towards Mexico City, the French army encountered heavy resistance close to the town of Puebla. There the French 8,000-man army attacked the poorly equipped Mexican army half its size on May 5, 1862, and was soundly defeated. The victory over the French was a significant morale boost to the Mexican army and the Mexican people at large.
The Mexican victory, however, was short-lived. A year later, with 30,000 troops, the French were able to defeat the Mexican army, capture Mexico City, and install Emperor Maximilian I as ruler. Upon the conclusion of the American Civil War, however, Napoleon III starting pulling out the French troops. The Mexicans recaptured Mexico City, and apprehended and executed Maximilian I, along with his Mexican generals. On June 5, 1867, Juárez finally entered Mexico City where he installed a new government.

Also: At the Senior Center on Thursday, May 10, at 6 pm, Rick Britton will present a talk titled “Thomas Jefferson in Paris.” It’s FREE and open to the public. Come hear about Jefferson’s love for Parisian culture & learn about the Senior Center’s upcoming “Thomas Jefferson in Paris” trip!