The end of the Mexican-American war in 1848 not only left a strained relationship between the two countries, but left Mexico deep in debt, a debt the grew through years of civil war. Mexico borrowed money from European countries. Eventually the European powers came looking for their money. England and Spain came and went, but France took advantage of the moment and decided to invade. As it turns out, Napoleon III had figured he would conquer Mexico, set a Hapsburg prince on a Mexican throne and rule over Mexico. Some say that Napoleon wanted to aid the Confederacy in the U.S. Civil War from Mexico. Exactly what role the French defeat at Puebla played in the U.S. Civil War is debatable but if the French had supplied the confederacy more actively the war would have been longer, harder and bloodier.
When the Mexican Army defeated this first invasion force they were greatly out numbered and up against a technologically superior force making the triumph all the greater and the reason it is celebrated today. Ironically this battle wasn't the end of conflict between Mexico and France but the beginning. French forces would return a year later in larger numbers and take control of Mexico, placing the puppet Maximilian in charge of Mexico. The people of Mexico resisted and once the Civil War was ended in the United States, President Lincoln sent General Sheridan to supply the Mexican resistance. Many U.S. soldiers were decommissioned from the Union Army in Texas to join the Mexican Army. A battalion of U.S. soldiers marched in the victory parade in Mexico City when Maximilian was finally defeated in 1868. In honor of the aid provided by the United States thousands of Mexicans crossed the border to join the U.S. military in the weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
It is unfortunate that the real story of Cinco de Mayo has been lost to advertisers who see it as little more than an excuse to sell beer (Cinco de Mayo is now the second largest beer consuming day of the year just behind St. Patrick's Day). It is a celebration of the long relationship between the United States and Mexico, the years of cooperation, and the hope of a future where two neighbors can set aside their differences and work together.
So celebrate Cinco de Mayo by remembering why we celebrate it and with a nod to Mexican traditions and foods. Put together a great Molé or a traditional Carne Asada and enjoy the Mexican Grill.
