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Antonio González Orozco
Juárez, símbolo de la república,
1972, acrílico sobre madera
 "Cinco de Mayo" (the fifth of May) is a day of remembrance of the "Batalla de Puebla" (Battle of Puebla): in which poorly equipped but highly motivated Méxican forces of less than four thousand troops, defeated the French forces of five thousand who were well equipped and disciplined. The city of Puebla, 100 miles east of México City, was the battleground on which México was to prove to the world that national sovereignty would not be compromised. On the morning of May 5, 1862, history was written that continues to serve as a reminder that with patriotism, valor and pride, one will overcome any and all obstacles. Their victory demonstrated to the world that they would defend themselves of any foreign conquest. The "Cinco de Mayo" is mostly celebrated in the United States among the Méxican-American population, especially in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.
 Within the United States of America, "Cinco de Mayo" is mistaken for México's Independence Day. However, "El Grito de Dolores" was a proclamation calling for México's independence from Spain on September 16 in the year 1810 by Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, in the small town of Dolores, Guanajuato. México gained its independence from Spain after 11 years of armed struggle in the year of 1821. México's Independence Day is celebrated on September 15. However, in México, as well in the United States, the festivities extend to September 16 with a parade.
To have an understanding why Cinco de Mayo is important, we must go back in history.
Historical background leading to French intervention:
In México there was an internal war between the conservatives and the liberals. Elements of high society, high-ranking members of the military and hierarchy of the Catholic Church supported the conservatives.
 In 1850, the country was recovering from the aftermath of the Méxican-American War of 1846-1848. As a result, México lost two-thirds of its territory to the north what is now known as the southwest region of the United States. The "Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo" settled the war with fifteen million dollars in payment for the annexed lands. It was a bloody and unfair war. Many American citizens were ashamed by the force exercised by the stronger nation. Abraham Lincoln said, "This was an unjust war". During that time the country was apprehensive and the rich people did not want to live under the dominion of the common people and a liberal government with the "Leyes de Reforma" (Reform Laws); their dreams were the Paris fashions and the culture of all Europe; their desire was to be governed by an aristocracy. They wanted to feel European.
The French Embassy claimed that peasants destroyed hundreds of thousands of pesos in pastries. Naturally the Méxican government was opposed to pay these claims: this incident was called "La Guerra de los Pasteles" (The War of the Pastries). This incident like many others was provocative. Spain and England were also demanding that México owed them money.
 "Club de Notables," men like the conservatives Almonte and Estrada; part of the military and the Catholic Church, were anxious to establish a Méxican Monarchy. The determined Empress Eugenia, wife of Napoleón III, influenced her husband in establishing a Méxican Monarchy by placing Maximilian of Hapsburg of Austria and Carlota of Belgium to be the Emperors of México. Napoleón III perspective was to conquer Sonora and California. Napoleón III argued before the London Convention of the Union of Spain and England to claim from México reparations for certain offenses. However, the liberals had the support of most of the people and part of the military. Their leader was President Benito Juarez, a full-blooded Zapotec Indian, and a lawyer who had studied to become a priest. In addition, all the payments, notwithstanding, that President Juarez had given them assurance that the debt would be paid in justice; by the same time he did not allowed them to intimidate México's Sovereignty. He protested against the humiliation they were trying to impose to the National decorum with the Mon-Almont Treaty.
 With México bankrupt, the government asked for a moratorium, which all foreign debt payments would be suspended for a brief two years period to resume payments. On October 31, 1861, the representatives of Queen Isabella II of Spain, Queen Victoria of Great Britain and Emperor Napoleón III of France refused the request and signed the Convention of London by which the three nations agreed jointly to occupy Mexico in order to force the Méxican government to pay its foreign debt. Their purpose was to occupy the customhouse and apply all custom receipts to pay the debts. Upon arrival to the city of Veracruz, President Juarez responded, "It would not be the President that would retreat from foreign invasion…México refuses force by force."
Later, the ambitious Emperor Napoleón III, was alert of the American Civil War, thought it was an opportunity to conquer México and establish political and economic sphere of influence in the Americas. Unknowing of the French agenda, Spain and England withdrew after one month after. General Latrille, of the French army, was informed that the French would be welcomed by opened arms in Puebla by the conservatives, therefore, commanded his troops to march on its war of occupation of México City.
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Despite the fact that President Juarez's government allowed the French forces to stay in Cordoba, Orizaba, Tehuacan and other cities to avoid the heat, malaria and other deceases associated with the climate, the French troops proceeded without acknowledging this fine gesture. The troops marched towards Puebla under the command of Count de Lourencez and his generals Bernard, Mallat and L. Hirillert. Defending Puebla were General Zaragoza, aided by Negrete, Alvarez, Porfirio Diaz, Berriozabal, N. Mendez. Lamadrid, Alatorre, Gonzalez Arratia, Mendez Olivarez, Andrade Parrada, Arriola, Mariano Escobedo, Pedro Martinez, Salazar and many other patriots.
Five thousand soldiers marched towards the fort of Guadalupe and Loreto, situated in the city of Puebla. At the day's end, one thousand French soldiers laid dead.  Count Lourencez, Commander in Chief, proud and contemptuous, withdrew dejected. General Ignacio Zaragoza, through the Méxican War Ministry gave the following message: "The National arms are covered with glory! I can affirm with pride that at no moment the Méxican soldiers did not turn their backs to the enemy." President Juarez had reason: "Those titans were not invincible." He was proud that four thousand Méxicans comprised of a few and obscure soldiers ignored and without any more elements other than their patriotism were enough to make them retreat." The name of Ignacio Zaragoza would move the whole world. In the year 1865, the Méxican forces commanded by General Mariano Escobedo, Riva Palacio and other heroes would conquer the last stronghold of the French interventionist in the city of Queretaro, thereby winning the war against the French.
Viva México! Viva Benito Juarez ! Viva El Cinco de Mayo!
Written by Mario S. Vejar
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