History Behind Cinco De Mayo Celebration
Mexico had accrued significant amounts of debt from numerous countries, including Spain, England, and France, during the chaotic years after its independence from Spain. Due to the country's growing political upheaval, Mexican President Benito Juarez imposed a two-year moratorium on all foreign loan repayments, after which the payments would resume. Outraged, Spain, England, and France came together, sending fleets of soldiers and national leaders to collect money owed to them and confiscate property rights in lieu of payment. Both Spain and England struck reparations arrangements with Mexico and withdrew their troops. However, under Napoleon III, France had other plans, notably conquest. Napoleon desired to install his relative, Archduke Maximilian of Austria, as the country's ruler. France turned down the offers and Napoleon dispatched troops to Mexico City. General Ignacio Zaragoza was soon appointed by President Juarez. The commander gathered 4,500 ill-equipped Mestiz...