Why celebrate Cinco De Mayo?
Ellerslie
Fletching
Beyond that, it is a Mexican holiday. Why should we even think about it?
First of all, it is a very minor day in Mexico. It is celebrated a little in Puebla, where the battle was fought in 1862. There were other battles to be fought before Mexico gained independence.
In the 1860's, Mexico was crushed by foreign debt. England sent a fleet, but came to an agreement. France invaded. Collecting debt was the excuse, but Napoleon III hated the US, currently involved in the Civil War. At the very least, Napoleon wanted to split the Union, and use his base in extreme northern Mexico to aid the Confederacy. With the Confederacy short of industry and weapons, the French could have tipped the balance.
Of course, it was a perfect time to invade the US. The French Army was considered the best in the world at the time. That might have been the ultimate aim of Napoleon III.
As the French marched north, 8,000 soldiers with the best equipment France had, they were defeated by 4,000 poorly equipped Mexicans. Needless to say, had the French won, the US might look very different today.
So, tomorrow, while you are drinking Mexican beer (try Pacifico and Dos X Lager), slamming tequila, and eating tacos tomorrow, think about those Mexican patriots who saved the US.
Ellerslie
Fletching
Beyond that, it is a Mexican holiday. Why should we even think about it?
First of all, it is a very minor day in Mexico. It is celebrated a little in Puebla, where the battle was fought in 1862. There were other battles to be fought before Mexico gained independence.
In the 1860's, Mexico was crushed by foreign debt. England sent a fleet, but came to an agreement. France invaded. Collecting debt was the excuse, but Napoleon III hated the US, currently involved in the Civil War. At the very least, Napoleon wanted to split the Union, and use his base in extreme northern Mexico to aid the Confederacy. With the Confederacy short of industry and weapons, the French could have tipped the balance.
Of course, it was a perfect time to invade the US. The French Army was considered the best in the world at the time. That might have been the ultimate aim of Napoleon III.
As the French marched north, 8,000 soldiers with the best equipment France had, they were defeated by 4,000 poorly equipped Mexicans. Needless to say, had the French won, the US might look very different today.
So, tomorrow, while you are drinking Mexican beer (try Pacifico and Dos X Lager), slamming tequila, and eating tacos tomorrow, think about those Mexican patriots who saved the US.
as for Cinco de Drinko, you know that we americans will do nearly anything that has to do with booze and food
Great blog, though! it's great to see someone take an interest in the history!