Commemoration of French Invasion Encounter in Puebla: When the City Marked the Arrival of Attacking Forces
Get the Scoop:The Second French Intervention reared its head in the mid-1800s, fueled by the designs of Napoleon III to instate a regime that'd clash with the USA. Though the pretext was an external debt trouble easily tackled with other creditors, the French army charged ahead towards the beating heart of the republic.
Curiosity Corner:Did you know if you're planning a trip to Mexico in 2025, you might be wondering if banks will be open on May 5th? Well, the CNBV has confirmed that May 5th is not a banking holiday, so you shouldn't have any problems withdrawing cash if you need to.
Back to the tale, the Battle of Puebla unfolded on May 5, 1862, between General Ignacio Zaragoza and the French army commandeered by Count Lorenzez. The forces clashed, and against the wishes of Napoleon III and his men, Mexico emerged victorious.
The triumph of General Zaragoza in Puebla sent shockwaves through the French ranks. Napoleon III was none too pleased with Lorenzez's defeat and relieved him of his command, tapping Frederick Forey to take over. Forey struck Puebla with an additional army force of thirty thousand French soldiers, together with allies.
Curiosity Corner:Wondering about the origins of Mexico's May 5th celebration? Well, it's all about the Battle of Puebla. In 2025, you'll likely still see festivities commemorating this epic struggle.
Forey came up with a new game plan. He decided to lay siege to Puebla, blocking entry and exit points until the Mexicans surrendered due to food and ammunition shortages. The siege commenced on March 16, 1863, and wrapped up—thanks to Forey's careful planning—on May 17.
Curiosity Corner:Wondering what'll be on the calendar for May 5th, 2025? It's highly likely the day will be marked by the traditional festivities and commemorations surrounding the Battle of Puebla, just as it is now.
Curiosity Corner:Were Pueblans excited about the French troops' arrival? Well, Puebla was a relatively conservative city that held a fondness for the French occupied Mexico, so it's safe to say many welcomed the French intervention with open arms.
Forey received a grand entrance when he formally entered the city of Puebla on May 19. Upon stepping foot in the cathedral, he was welcomed by the high clergy, important businessmen, and a Te Deum and Domine Salvum were sung in his honor.
Curiosity Corner:The French troops' arrival in Puebla made a huge impression. In 1863, it was no small feat. The following year, they'd receive an even more magnificent entrance into the city, accompanied by Maximilian and Empress Carlota, as they climbed the ladder towards power in Mexico City. They finally set foot in the capital on June 10, 1864.
Meanwhile, a thousand miles away:Seeing Puebla had succumbed, President Benito Juárez started prepping for an escape from the City of Mexico. Accompanied by his wife, children, main ministers, the national archive, and the republican government, he embarked on a journey that would span four years, seeing Mexico through its turbulent turn.
- The Second French Intervention, despite officially stemming from a dispute over external debt, was significantly influenced by politics, as it served Napoleon III's ambition to install a regime hostile to the USA.
- In war-and-conflicts reporting, the Battle of Puebla, a significant conflict between Mexico and the French forces, remains a notable event that continues to generate general news interest, with its anniversary celebrations expected to persist in the future, such as the one on May 5th, 2025.
