Battle of Puebla
Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
What happened
Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza, with Porfirio Díaz and Miguel Negrete, led Mexican forces against the French army of General Charles de Lorencez. When Mexico's president, Benito Juárez, stopped paying interest on loans from France, Britain and Spain, France used the dispute to invade Mexico and try to set up a new government. A French army marched on the city of Puebla, defended by Mexican troops in the hilltop forts of Loreto and Guadalupe. The French attacked uphill again and again, but Mexican infantry and cavalry drove them back, and Lorencez retreated.
Why it matters
Result: Mexican victory. Leaders: Ignacio Zaragoza / Porfirio Díaz against Charles de Lorencez. Why it matters: The victory inspired Mexicans at a time of foreign invasion. It is remembered every year as Cinco de Mayo, the 5th of May.
What came next
France sent more troops, captured Puebla in 1863, took Mexico City, and made the Austrian Archduke Maximilian emperor of Mexico. The win at Puebla remained a symbol of Mexican resistance.
Did you know?
Cinco de Mayo is often confused with Mexico's Independence Day, which is actually on September 16.
Timeline
- May 5, 1862Mexican forces defeat the French at Puebla.
- May 17, 1863The French capture Puebla in the Second Battle of Puebla and push on to Mexico City.