Cinco De Mayo

Cinco De Mayo

The Battle of Puebla took place on May 5, 1862. There was a total of about 10,00 soldiers in the war. 462 French soldiers died in combat.The battle ended in a victory for the Mexican Army over the occupying French soldiers. Only 82 Mexican soldiers died.The Mexican victory is celebrated yearly on the fifth of May. The French Army was more equipped and larger than the Mexican army. The French was lead by general Charles de Lorencez. The Mexican troops were lead by 33 year old Zaragoza.

Why?

The battle came about by a misunderstanding of the French forces agreement to leave to the coast. When my Mexican Republic forces saw these French soldiers they felt threatened and took action.Lorencez was led to believe that the people of Puebla were friendly to the French, and that the Mexican Republican garrison which kept the people in line would be overrun by the population once he made a show of force. On 5 May 1862, against all advice, Lorencez decided to attack Puebla from the north. However, he started his attack a little too late in the day, using his artillery just before noon and by noon advancing his infantry.The French artillery had run out of ammunition, so the third infantry attack went unsupported.As the French retreated from their final assault, Zaragoza had his cavalry attack them from the right and left while troops concealed along the road. 

Aftermath

The Battle of Puebla was an inspirational event for wartime Mexico. The French were eventually victorious, winning the Second Battle of Puebla on 17 May 1863 and pushing on to Mexico City. On 9 May 1862, President Juárez declared that the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla would be a national holiday,^] regarded as "Battle of Puebla Day" or "Battle of Cinco de Mayo". Although today it is recognized in some countries as a day of Mexican heritage celebration, it is not a federal holiday in Mexico. The United States celebrates Cinco De Mayo more than any country in the world. Locals of Mexico recognize this day as another day.

Conclusion

The powerful French army lost to the Mexican Army. The French Army took more damaged. The French Army would eventually come back weeks later and win the Second Battle of Puebla.

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