Dates That Matter

May 5, 1862

The Mexican army defeats the French at the Battle of Puebla. Today the date is celebrated as "Cinco de Mayo."

Many people believe Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day, but it is not. (That date is September 16.) Instead, Cinco de Mayo is the commemoration of the Battle of Puebla when Mexican troops under General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated the French. The leader of France, Napoleon III (who was the nephew of the more famous Napoleon I), sent troops to Mexico, saying they were going to collect a debt. In truth, the French hoped to conquer the Mexicans, and then expand their empire into South America. The Mexicans were outnumbered by the invading French troops, but the Mexicans were victorious in this battle, and halted the French advance. The French also hoped to use Mexico as a base from which to assist the Confederate States of America in the US Civil War, and the French loss also may have helped the Union win the Civil War.

For more information...

Cinco de Mayo
A collection of resources related to Cinco de Mayo from Teachers First.

Battle of Puebla Coloring Page
For younger students, a Flash-enabled coloring page collection that could be used with an interactive whiteboard. Teachers can also print out the coloring pages in black and white or color.