Lost on many in these modern times is just how much we share in common with the Mexican people and numerous others in Latin America.
I’m not talking about the cultural history we all know, I’m talking about political history.
Monument to Zaragoza and the battle at Puebla.
Monument to Zaragoza in Goliad, Texas.
From Mexican Hero Miguel Hidalgo to Simon Bolivar in South America – we share with them the early American Dream – freedom from European oppression and manipulation and the chance to establish Constitutional Republican government.
Today is the 5th of May, or in Spanish, Cinco de Mayo, the day in 1862 that French General Conde de Lorencez attacked the Mexican city of Puebla on his way to attempt to capture Mexico City. The important mountain pass near Puebla was defended by General Ignacio Zaragoza. The French launched fierce attacks, but were driven off by the smaller but well led Mexican force. Finally the Mexican forces, mostly poorly equipped and trained Indian conscripts, overcame the invaders.
Pratt at the fort in Puebla in 1995.
While the great French power continued to land troops at Veracruz, and eventually conquered much of the young Mexican Republic lead by President Benito Juarez, the defeat of the French forces by General Zaragoza was a triumph for the American will and spirit.
Birthplace of Zaragoza in Goliad.
Oh and by the way, the great General Zaragoza? He was a Texan!
Sadly Zaragoza died of illness before the next attempt by France, which was successful, to take Mexico City.
About Cinco de Mayo and why it’s good to celebrate a little!
I’m not talking about the cultural history we all know, I’m talking about political history.
Monument to Zaragoza and the battle at Puebla.
Monument to Zaragoza in Goliad, Texas.
From Mexican Hero Miguel Hidalgo to Simon Bolivar in South America – we share with them the early American Dream – freedom from European oppression and manipulation and the chance to establish Constitutional Republican government.
Today is the 5th of May, or in Spanish, Cinco de Mayo, the day in 1862 that French General Conde de Lorencez attacked the Mexican city of Puebla on his way to attempt to capture Mexico City. The important mountain pass near Puebla was defended by General Ignacio Zaragoza. The French launched fierce attacks, but were driven off by the smaller but well led Mexican force. Finally the Mexican forces, mostly poorly equipped and trained Indian conscripts, overcame the invaders.
Pratt at the fort in Puebla in 1995.
While the great French power continued to land troops at Veracruz, and eventually conquered much of the young Mexican Republic lead by President Benito Juarez, the defeat of the French forces by General Zaragoza was a triumph for the American will and spirit.
Birthplace of Zaragoza in Goliad.
Oh and by the way, the great General Zaragoza? He was a Texan!
Sadly Zaragoza died of illness before the next attempt by France, which was successful, to take Mexico City.
This is a very good piece describing exactly what is Cinco de Mayo and the Battle of Puebla.