The Origins of Cinco de Mayo
Sebastian Bernal
Former Teacher -> Growth Leader | Outdoorsman | Wellness Enthusiast
Interestingly enough, we in America celebrate Cinco de Mayo as much, if not MORE than people in Mexico do. Besides being a holiday that was popularized by alcohol companies to fill the bellies of Americans, Cinco de Mayo has quite an interesting history! For Mexico of course, but interestingly enough, for Americans as well - In fact, it’s possible that this battle that took place on May 5th, 1862, near Puebla, Mexico shaped the destiny of the United States.
In 1861 (which was during the American Civil War) a well-trained and well-armed French army invaded Mexico in an attempt to collect debts and establish French influence in North America’s once again. As the French army of 8,000 strong moved toward Mexico City, they encountered heavy resistance near Puebla. The poorly equipped, rag-tag Mexican army of 4,000, though vastly outnumbered and overmatched, defeated the French forces with authority.
It’s widely believed that this single Mexican victory over the French in 1862, prevented France from entering the American Civil War on the side of the Confederacy because they had to regroup and focus their efforts on Mexico.
And regroup they did, as France would eventually return a year later with 30,000 troops to capture Mexico City and installed Emperor Maximilian I as ruler of Mexico.
Even though the French prevailed for a short moment, the victory at the Battle of Puebla proved to be pivotal for the Mexican people. It created a morale boost and helped to further establish a sense of national pride and unity that would keep its people fighting for the next 3 years. Eventually, due to continued resistance from the Mexican people, along with aid from America, the French would be expelled and Mexico would regain its sovereignty.
Cinco de Mayo provides a great lesson of history to show that an armed and determined people fighting for their freedom, way of life, and home will always prevail, no matter how long it takes. It is a beautiful tale that Americans and Mexicans alike can be proud of and relate to. 🇲🇽 🇺🇸
Family Nurse Practitioner Certified
3yLove the history!
Sales Dev; the long-term solution to an indefinite problem.
3yKeep the writings coming, Sebastian Bernal! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of them. Side note - It's looking possible that I'll be hunting Whitetail with my father-in-law, on my family's farm in Minnesota, Nov 7-15. If I go, there will likely be room for one more, if you'd care to join.