Cinco de Mayo and the American Civil War

Alert readers will be aware that tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo-the May 5th annual celebration of Hispanic culture and its role in the U.S. The holiday is based on an event in Mexico but not widely celebrated there. Interestingly, the holiday was first celebrated in the U.S. in 1863 by Hispanic immigrants who wanted to highlight the effects of a war being waged against Mexico by the French army.

There are many misunderstandings about the origins of the Cinco de Mayo celebration and its significance. Probably the most common misconception is that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day (a myth: Mexico's independence day is September 16). The May 5th Battle of Puebla in 1862 was a military operation where a well-turned out French army was defeated by a Mexican army both poorly equipped and trained.

Why French troops were in Mexico

In the mid-1800's Mexico was in an impoverished condition. A newly elected Mexican President was trying to guide Mexico back to a path to economic stability. Over the years Mexico had borrowed heavily from France, Spain and England and all three countries were pushing to be repaid by the new presidential administration. Spain and England negotiated a solution. But Napoleon III (yes, nephew of 'that' Napoleon) who was emperor of France, saw the weakness of the Mexican government/military as an opportunity for his country to carve out an chunk of territory in the New World.

Napoleon III sent French troops to take over Mexico City. Marching west from a seaport the troops were about 80 miles from the capitol city when they were challenged by Mexican troops at Puebla. The French troops had to retreat and it was another year before they could muster enough troops and munitions to retake Puebla.

No French military resources could be spared for the Confederacy

Napoleon III believed if he could take over Mexico it would be a foothold to eventually wage war against the U.S.-and expand his control of territory in the New World. His plan included providing guns and ammunition to the American Confederacy, already lacking adequate weaponry against the Union armies, in exchange for southern cotton in short supply in France because of a Union army blockage.

Some historians argue during the year it took the French army to regroup after its defeat at Puebla. President Lincoln and his Union generals were able to win several major battles of the Civil War. Those victories moved the war in to the final stages and a victory for the Union forces. The outcome of that single battle in Puebla, Mexico likely affected the outcome of the American Civil War.

Learn some of the rest of the story at the Chinook Senior Center

There is much more to be learned about Cinco de Mayo. Tomorrow, May 5, 2022, the Chinook Senior Center will host a Cinco de Mayo celebration. In addition to a Latino-themed lunch, Juan Valdez (not the fictional character from Columbia who promotes coffee sales, but the fictional character from Mexico who shares information about Cinco de Mayo) will be at the Center during lunch. Juan will be hosting a trivia contest with prizes for the correct answers.

All are welcome to join Juan Valdez and his guests for lunch and the contest of wits about Cinco de Mayo. Please call 357-2648 before 10am for a lunch reservation. "Nos vemos en la fiesta." ("see you at the party" or something like that).