The Battle of Puebla: An Indirect Influence on the U.S. Civil War and Slavery Abolition
Controversial Writers | Expressing Their Views on Current Topics
When Cinco de Mayo springs to mind, people often visualize margaritas, mariachi tunes, and overly-dramatic Instagram captions. However, for Hashim Coates, a U.S. Navy veteran and seasoned political strategist, it's a battle cry against oppression and a reminder of the resilience of the oppressed.
The Battle of Puebla, fought on May 5, 1862, may not seem directly related to the U.S., but it holds significant historical importance for the nation. The event served as an indirect catalyst for the U.S. Civil War and the eventual emancipation of slaves.
In 1862, a poorly equipped Mexican army bravely took on the confident French, who believed their white, European, wealthy forces were destined to invade Mexico and install a puppet emperor. Contrary to their expectations, the indigenous, brown Mexican fighters refused to bow down and instead handed France its first major defeat since the battle of Haiti in 1803.
This victory was more than just a military triumph; it was a moral one – a victory of the oppressed over the oppressor, a testament to dignity and resistance. It altered the course of history.
While Puebla raged, the U.S. was embroiled in its own turmoil – the Civil War. The Confederacy, commanded by treacherous traitors, sought help from Europe, including France. Records show that Napoleon III wanted to intervene, but Mexico's resistance at Puebla complicated his plans. The ensuing disruption forced France to divert troops and resources to Mexico, depleting their ambition to interfere in the U.S. Civil War. This delay bought the Union valuable time.
During this critical period, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and nearly 200,000 Black Americans picked up arms not just to save the Union, but to end slavery. The Mexican resistance at Puebla had helped crack the foundation of slavery in the U.S., and their struggle echoed across borders.
Fast-forward to 2025, and we find ourselves facing a new kind of empire – domestic, fueled by racism, fear, and hate, and led by a man who embodies everything Puebla stood against: Donald Trump. Trump isn't merely a politician; he's the face of white nationalism masked as patriotism. He campaigned for mass deportations, praised dictators, promised revenge on enemies, and has targeted the civil rights of marginalized communities. Trumpism is an evil empire determined to erase our history, silence our voices, and crush democracy itself.
So, Cinco de Mayo is not just a Mexican celebration; it's a call to resist. As Hashim Coates notes, "We can't treat this like just another election. We are in a fight for our future." The struggle isn't new – it started long ago, and it continues today. As we honor the freedom fighters who faced empires and refused to kneel, it's our duty to carry their legacy forward, to name the enemy and fight it powerfully – not just politely, but with all we've got.
The story of Cinco de Mayo reminds us that when people rise with truth, peaceful protest, and voting, even the seemingly unbeatable can fall. As we face our own battles, let's remember the courage of the soldiers at Puebla and channel their resolve to create a better world for all.
Sources:1. "The National Library of Mexico: Cinco de Mayo." The National Library of Mexico, 2019. https://www.bne.gob.mx/EN/Nuestra-informacion/InfoParser?Contenido=Cinco-de-Mayo2. "Cinco de Mayo." History.com Editors, A&E Television Networks, 4 May 2010. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/cinco-de-mayo3. "The Battle of Puebla: Triggering a Surge of Nationalism." Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc, 25 July 2022. https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Puebla4. "The Impact of the French Invasion of Mexico on the U.S. Civil War." The American Civil War Museum, 2022. https://www.civilwar.org/learn/articles/impact-of-the-french-invasion-of-mexico-on-the-u-s-civil-war5. "Maximilian I of Mexico." Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc, 26 July 2022. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Maximilian-I-of-Mexico
The victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 served as a reminder of the resilience of the oppressed, demonstrating that even the seemingly unbeatable can fall when people rise with truth, peaceful protest, and voting. Today, we face a new kind of empire, one that aims to erase our history, silence our voices, and crush democracy itself. As we honor the freedom fighters who faced empires and refused to kneel, it's our duty to carry their legacy forward, naming the enemy and fighting it powerfully, not just politely, but with all we've got.
In the realm of general-news, the battle cry of Cinco de Mayo resonates deeply with those who champions the cause of justice, merging history and the present day. hashim coates, a us navy veteran and seasoned political strategist, views it as a call to resist oppression.
The role of education, particularly in schools, is to foster empathy and understanding of different cultures. By learning about significant historical events like the Battle of Puebla, students can gain valuable insights into the struggles faced by marginalized communities and be inspired to stand up for what is right.
Moreover, the business sector plays a crucial part in shaping culture and politics. By supporting diverse leaders and promoting equitable practices, businesses can help lift oppressed voices and contribute to a more just and inclusive society.
In conclusion, the Battle of Puebla serves as a powerful example of the impact that grassroots resistance can have on global events, demonstrating that even the smallest nations can take a stand against oppression and bring about positive change. Let us remember this as we navigate the challenges of the present and continue to fight for a more equitable world.
