This day in History: The French got their ASS kicked by the OLD SCHOOL Cartel!!! Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo: The True Story of How Mexico’s “Old School Cartel” Kicked the French Empire’s Ass
Every year on May 5th, streets across the United States and parts of Mexico erupt with colorful parades, mariachi music, and the clinking of margarita glasses. For many, Cinco de Mayo is a festive celebration of Mexican culture. But behind the revelry lies a story of defiance, resilience, and an improbable military victory that changed the course of history. This is the tale of how an outnumbered, underequipped Mexican force—a kind of “old school cartel” of patriots—humiliated one of the world’s most powerful armies: the French Empire.
The Backstory: Why Was France in Mexico?
To understand the significance of Cinco de Mayo, we need to rewind to the mid-19th century. Mexico, freshly independent from Spain, was in turmoil. The Reform War (1857–1861), a brutal civil conflict between liberal and conservative factions, had left the country economically devastated. President Benito Juárez, a Zapotec indigenous leader and national hero, suspended debt payments to foreign creditors to stabilize Mexico’s finances. This move infuriated Spain, Britain, and France, who sent joint forces to Veracruz in 1861 to demand repayment.
But while Spain and Britain negotiated and withdrew, France had grander ambitions. Emperor Napoleon III, nephew of the legendary Napoleon Bonaparte, saw an opportunity to expand his empire. He aimed to install a puppet monarchy in Mexico (led by Austrian archduke Maximilian I) to counterbalance U.S. influence and secure French interests in the Americas. With the U.S. embroiled in its Civil War, Napoleon III believed Mexico was ripe for conquest.
The Battle of Puebla: Underdogs vs. the Imperial Giant
In early 1862, a French army of 6,000 elite troops—considered the best in the world at the time—marched toward Mexico City. Standing in their path was Puebla de Los Ángeles, a fortified town guarded by 4,000 Mexican soldiers, many of them indigenous conscripts or volunteers armed with outdated rifles and machetes. Leading them was General Ignacio Zaragoza, a 33-year-old Texan-born commander (yes, Texan—he was born in present-day Goliad, Texas, when it was still part of Mexico).
The French, led by General Charles de Lorencez, were supremely confident. Lorencez reportedly boasted he’d “be sipping coffee in Mexico City in a week.” But Zaragoza and his troops had two secret weapons: terrain and tenacity.
On May 5, 1862, the French attacked Puebla’s forts, Loreto and Guadalupe, situated on hilltops. The Mexicans, dug into defensive positions, rained cannon fire and rifle shots on the advancing French. Meanwhile, torrential rains turned the battlefield to mud, bogging down cavalry charges and dampening French gunpowder. As the day wore on, a cavalry unit led by Colonel Porfirio Díaz (later a controversial Mexican president) flanked the French, triggering a chaotic retreat.
By nightfall, the French had lost nearly 500 soldiers; Mexico counted fewer than 100 casualties. The invincible French army had been routed by a ragtag force of campesinos, indigenous fighters, and local volunteers—a true “old school cartel” of national defense.
Aftermath: A Symbolic Victory With Lasting Impact
While the Battle of Puebla didn’t end the war—France regrouped, captured Mexico City in 1863, and installed Maximilian as emperor—it became a turning point. The victory galvanized Mexican resistance, proving that the French could be beaten. It also bought Juárez’s government time to rally international support and organize guerrilla campaigns.
Critically, the delay at Puebla altered geopolitical dynamics. By 1865, the U.S. Civil War had ended, and President Andrew Johnson invoked the Monroe Doctrine to demand French withdrawal. With U.S. pressure and Mexican resistance intensifying, Napoleon III abandoned Maximilian, who was captured and executed in 1867. Mexico’s sovereignty was restored, thanks in part to that pivotal day in Puebla.
Cinco de Mayo: From Battle Cry to Cultural Celebration
So why is Cinco de Mayo celebrated more vigorously in the U.S. than in Mexico? In Mexico, the holiday is primarily observed in Puebla with military parades and reenactments. But in the U.S., the date gained prominence during the 1960s Chicano Movement as a symbol of Mexican-American pride. Over time, businesses capitalized on the holiday, transforming it into a mainstream celebration of Mexican culture—albeit one often divorced from its historical roots.
The day’s true legacy, however, lies in its David-and-Goliath narrative. For Mexicans, May 5th is a reminder of their ancestors’ courage against impossible odds. For others, it’s a lesson in hubris: even the mightiest empires can be humbled by determined defenders.
Myth vs. Reality: Busting Cinco de Mayo Misconceptions
- Myth: Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day.
Reality: Mexico’s Independence Day is September 16th, marking the tart of the 1810 revolt against Spain.
- Myth: The holiday is widely celebrated across Mexico.
Reality: Outside Puebla, it’s a minor observance—nothing like the U.S.’s festive parties.
- Myth: The victory at Puebla ended the French invasion.
Reality: France occupied Mexico for five more years, but the battle became a rallying cry.
Conclusion: More Than Margaritas
Cinco de Mayo’s evolution from a regional military anniversary to a global cultural phenomenon reflects its layered significance. At its core, it honors an underdog triumph that resonates universally. So, as you raise your glass this May 5th, remember the “old school cartel” of farmers, freedom fighters, and General Zaragoza, who proved that patriotism and grit can topple even the fanciest of empires.
¡Viva México! And let the French never forget: you don’t mess with Puebla.
#CincodeMayo #May5th #Mexico # France