On this day in history, May 5th, 1862, 163 years ago today
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
MAY 5TH
On this day in history, May 5th, 1862, 163 years ago today and outnumbered Mexican army defeated a strong French army at the Battle of Pueblo. This victory proved inspirational to the people of Mexico. To this day this victory is celebrated in Mexico and the United States of America. We call this celebration Cinco de Mayo.
Have you ever wondered what Cinco de Mayo is all about? In 1861 the country of Mexico was having major financial problems. Mexico owed the countries of France, Britain, and Spain a bunch of money. Mexico did not have the money to pay these three countries what was owed. Mexico was able to work out a deal with Britain and Spain to appease their anger. France however would not be appeased. They decided to go to war. This war lasted for about 6 years, and is known in history as the French-Mexican war. The Battle of Pueblo was one battle in this long war. It was a battle that actually wasn’t even very strategically significant. It was a battle that France should have easily won, but they didn’t. Mexico was able to bumfuzzle a superior French army in this short battle that lasted for one day. This small victory at the beginning of the war helped to booster spirits of the Mexican army. Eventually Mexico won the war and France went back to Europe.
So now, the next time you hear someone say that it is Cinco de Mayo, you will know what the celebration is all about. It’s about one small battle, early on in the French-Mexican war. A battle where a handful of rag tag Mexican soldiers whooped the French at the Battle of Pueblo, 163 years ago today.
Rend Petersen
