Plan a fiesta that includes food, decorations, and entertainment. The date is observed to commemorate the mexican army s victory over the french empire at the battle of puebla, on may 5, 1862, under the leadership of general ignacio zaragoza. Between 1846 and 1848, mexico was involved in the mexicanamerican war. Because the mexican soldiers were badly outnumbered and outgunned, the unexpected triumph was a watershed in forging the countrys national identity.
It is not a public or a national holiday in mexico. Civil war, the french army marched towards mexico city. The mexican soldiers were outnumbered, but they fiercely fought back. The reform war was a civil war and it pitted liberals who believed in separation of church and state and freedom of religion. It should not be confused with mexican independence day, which falls on september 16 and was established in 1810. Those troops were headed to surround zaragozas troops on the rear. With a weakened army and lagging national pride, the odds were against the mexican people. It didnt have enough money to pay debts it owed to france, spain and england. After the war ended, mexico had very little money and many debts. Many people celebrate the mexicaninspired holiday, but few know its history. Students celebrate mexican culture by making tortillas, licuado fruit juice, traditional mexican crafts, and more. George stephanopoulos brings you the amazing true story behind americas favorite mexican holiday. If you want to learn more about the mexican day of celebration, youve come to the right place. Unless otherwise stated, the content of this page is licensed under creative commons attributionsharealike 3.
Mexico had already won its independence from spain in 1821, but now france was trying to take over. Learn the true history behind the often misunderstood holiday. Because the mexican soldiers were badly outnumbered and outgunned, the unexpected triumph was a. The battle lasted four hours and ended in a victory for the mexican army under gen. Engage your students and challenge them intellectually. Video and pdf as may 5th approaches, the cinco the mayo holiday is trending in the media and social media. It began as a regional celebration of the defeat of the french army by mexican soldiers at the battle of puebla in 1862. What you need to know about mexicos independence day. The country of mexico worked out a payment arrangement with england and spain. No prep this passage is part of the larger, more comprehensive may reading and ela unit.
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