| Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for the fifth of May. The | | | | Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria's Hapsburg House was |
| fifth of May is a significant day for Mexicans, being the | | | | selected by Napoleon III as Emperor of Mexico and for |
| anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, a battle between | | | | three years ruled from the Chapultepec Palace in |
| Mexican and French forces which has become | | | | Mexico City, which was build by the Spanish. |
| symbolic of the Mexican spirit and determination to | | | | The French had begun to overextend themselves in |
| thwart foreign aggression. | | | | Mexico as they spread their control of the region. |
| The battle of Puebla took place in 1862. Leading up to | | | | Soon the American Civil War was over and the United |
| this event, in 1861, Mexico declared a temporary | | | | States informed the French of their Monroe doctrine |
| moratorium, or delay, on their foreign debt. In response | | | | which stated they would treat any colonial disputes |
| to this, the English, Spanish and French all invaded | | | | within the Americas as hostile towards the United |
| Mexico. After negotiations, the English and Spanish left | | | | States and would step in. This caused the Napoleon III |
| by 1862, but the French remained. | | | | to withdraw troops from Mexico. Eventually Maximilian |
| The French were trying to establish a monarchy and | | | | was captured and executed in June, 1867. |
| also had designs to curb United States' power in North | | | | It took five years to drive the French out of Mexico. |
| America. | | | | However the Battle of Puebla, being the beginning of |
| On their way to the Mexican capital, the French forces | | | | the resistance against the French, is seen as |
| needed to pass through the town of Puebla. Although | | | | symbolising the determination of the Mexican people. |
| they were heavily outnumbered, it was here that the | | | | Cinco de Mayo is celebrated throughout Mexico and |
| Mexicans, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, managed | | | | the US Southwest, but especially in Puebla, where |
| to defeat the French forces. | | | | soldiers, students, mariachi bands and dancers parade |
| Although the battle of Puebla was a success for | | | | on the main street. The celebrations culminate in a |
| Mexican freedom, the French returned a year later | | | | party at the "zocalo," or main plaza. In some cities, |
| and were successful in taking over Mexico City. | | | | re-enactments of the battle of Puebla take place. |