Significance+to+Americans

In 1862, France called on Mexico's debt that they had accumulated over the years, but when Mexico failed to repay them they began to establish leadership in Mexico and installed Napoleon III's cousin, Archduke Maximilian, as the ruler of Mexico. The French marched towards Mexico City, but were stopped at Puebla by the weaker Mexican militia. The Mexicans were able to defeat the French and stop the invasion on May 5th, which is the origin of the whole celebration. The victory secured national unity and has helped to create the Mexico we see today.

Though President Lincoln supported the Mexicans in this cause, he was unable to send troops because of the Civil War in the US at the time. The French, angered at the unexpected defeat, returned for another attack. As soon as the Union won at Gettysburg, Union troops were sent to Mexico right away to provide the Mexicans with guns and supplies that were crucial to expelling the French from Mexico for good. American soldiers were even discharged from the United States Army in order to join the Mexicans and fight for them.

This selfless assistance wasn't forgotten, and in 1941 after Pearl Harbor was attacked, thousands of Mexicans came to the US to join the military and honor the bond that was formed. Cinco de Mayo is a chance for both Mexicans and Americans to celebrate the alliance they shared that saved Mexico, and possibly the United States, from the French.

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Works Cited:  "Cinco History." //VivaCincodeMayo//. N.p., 26 Mar 2006. Web. 4 May 2010. 

Gonzalez, Ignacio. "The Significance of "Cinco de Mayo"." //Mexica.net//. N.p., 1996. Web. 5 May 2010. 

McGlynn, Susanna. "The History of Cinco de Mayo."//MEXonline//. MEXonline.com LLC, n.d. Web. 4 May 2010. "Westbound Rangers - Cinco de Mayo Fiesta (ft. Brinley Addington)." //YouTube//. N.p., 25/04/10. Web. 5 May 2010. .