The Battle of Puebla was an armed conflict fought on May 5, 1862 , in the surroundings of the city ​​of Puebla, Mexico and within the framework of the second French intervention, after Mexico announced the suspension of payments on its foreign debt.

In this battle the following sides faced:

• The army of the Mexican Republic , under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza.
• The army of the Second French Empire , under the command of General Charles Ferdinand Latrille, Count of Lorencez.

This combat took place in the context of the second French intervention in Mexico, from an alliance between the countries of Spain, France and England, signed at the London convention in 1861.

It happened after Benito Juárez, in command of the Mexican government, announced that he was suspending payments on the foreign debt during the current year.

Although Spain and England had managed to reach an agreement with Mexico, France chose to invade the country. However, this battle resulted in a victory for the Mexican army over the army of the Second French Empire, considered the best of the time. However, this did not prevent France from returning years later to occupy Mexico City, successfully until 1867.

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Battle of Puebla facts

1-Almost 6 hours of combat

According to historians, the Battle of Puebla began on May 5, 1862, around noon . It ended around 5 in the afternoon.

2-Patriotism> Political ideology

Conservative General Miguel Negrete put aside his ideology to join the forces of Ignacio Zaragoza . It is said that when questioned by this decision the military said? I have a homeland before I party ?

3-Motivational speeches

The General Ignacio Zaragoza , at the command of the Eastern Army, gave a speech on the morning of the 5 May 1862 and to encourage the troops before the battle uttered this sentence: N ur enemies are the first soldiers of the world, but you are the first children of Mexico. Soldiers: do I read the victory on your forehead ? Some historians consider that he did not predict victory in that final sentence, but rather said? And they want to take away your homeland from you ?

4-The counter-attack

The Mexican army won this battle, however, the French asked Napoleon III for reinforcements and carried out a successful counterattack, which eventually led to the establishment of the Second Mexican Empire , marked by the arrival of Emperor Maximilian of Habsburg in 1864. The French did not abandon territory Mexican until 1867.

5-Presidential escape

Benito Juárez , the president at that time, had to establish the Mexican government in the north of the country, in the city of Paso del Norte , due to the Second French Intervention. Paso del Norte became Ciudad Juárez by decree of Porfirio Díaz , president of Mexico on seven occasions, in honor of Benito Juárez.

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Causes and consequences

Causes

The reasons for this armed conflict were the following:

• The economic and financial crisis that Mexico was going through , on the verge of bankruptcy.
• The external debt contracted with the powers of Spain, England and France, caused by the expenses of the Battle of Reform in 1857, a civil conflict between the Mexican liberals and conservatives.
• The announcement of the cessation of the payments of said debt by Benito Juárez, in 1861 , from which Mexico agreed on a payment plan with Spain and England but was unsuccessful with France, which demanded immediate payment of the debt.
• The colonial interests of France in Mexico , which, taking advantage of its economic crisis, tried to adhere to that country under his command, with abundant raw materials and territorial resources.

Consequences

The victory of the army of the Mexican Republic in the battle of Puebla did not prevent France from again invading Mexico 3 years later and overthrowing President Benito Juárez .

Then, in 1867 and with the support of the United States , who were disadvantaged with a European Empire again on the American continent, Mexico managed to get rid of the French.

This important victory meant a political and military precedent of great importance for Mexico, to the point that May 5 is the second most important national holiday , after the ” cry of Dolores “, since there the Mexican population was able to consolidate its nationalism and faith in your country.

Characters from the Battle of Puebla

Among the protagonists of the Battle of Puebla, we can highlight the following:

• Ignacio Zaragoza (1829-1862) : general and commander of the army of the Mexican Republic, who is considered the hero of the battle of Puebla.
• Porfirio Díaz (1830-1915) : military man who stood out as president and for his great work as a general in the battle of Puebla.
• Miguel Negrete (1824-1897) : Mexican military and politician, who held the position of general of division and minister of war.
• Charles Ferdinand Latrille, Count of Lorencez (1814-1892) : French military man, commander of the army of the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla.