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The history of Cinco De Mayo begins with the victory of the Mexican army over the French. This took place in the Battle of Puebla in the year 1862. It is mostly a regional holiday, which is celebrated in Puebla, which is the capital city of the Mexican state. But it is also celebrated in the United States, due to a large Mexican population.
The Fifth of May, which is the translation of Cinco De Mayo, is sometimes mistaken for the Independence Day in Mexico, which is actually celebrated on September 16th.
After gaining independence from the Spaniards in 1821, Mexico had realized an accumulation of a lot of debt over the years. England, France, and Spain were demanding payment back, and France was threatening to take parts of Mexico over again. When Mexico stopped their loan payments, France installed Archduke Maximilian of Austria, who was a relative of Napolean III, to rule over Mexico. Abraham Lincoln was sympathetic with Mexico at the time, but he was involved in fighting his own Civil War in America and could not directly assist them. The French were defeated by a Mexican General, Ignacio Zaragoza Sequin, with an army of only 4,500, although the French army was larger and stronger. This victory caused for a celebration amongst Mexican patriots, but it was short lived, and Napolean sent thousands more men to fight for the land. Although the Mexicans were defeated this time, it was also very short lived, as the American Civil War was over and they were able to finally provide assistance to Mexico.
Despite the French invasions, and Mexican defeats, Cinco De Mayo still honors the victory and bravery of the Mexican militia and General Zaragoza. Today the day is celebrated with cultural music, food, and Mexican cultural events.
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