Cinco de Mayo
...idn’t want to be controlled from the French Empire. If France did try to attempt an attack then Mexico would defend itself. France, however, was planning an attack, and on April 12, 1862, President Juarez made the nation aware of the French invasion. “In the announcement, the president asked the people to support the Mexican army in the impending battle and to defend their independence” (55). General Ignacio Zaragoza was made head of the forces at Puebla to defend Mexico City. The only way through Mexico City was through Puebla first. The French thought that they were going to be able to gain control of Puebla, and once they got that then they would get control of all of Mexico. However, they were unaware that the citizens of Puebla would be waiting for them. Zaragoza’s army was relying on the weather. At that time of year, many showers were expected to happen, making the roads almost impossible to use. This would be an advantage for the Mexicans. Also, the Mexicans know the territory better. However, the only disadvantage was that they were short on supplies and weapons, and they weren’t the best trained army. On May 3rd, 1862, Zaragoza arrived at Puebla. He went over with his army the different ways that the French could attack them. On the other hand, the French commander, Lorencez was unsure of where he should attack from. Information was passed around and he heard that at the Fort of Guadalupe they were not well supplied with gun powder. Two days later, May 5th, 1862, Lorencez and the French army attacked from the north at the Fort of Guadalupe. The French army traveled four hours on foot and arrived near Puebla at 9 a.m. Once they arrived, the French army was attacked by a small group of Mexicans. Two hours later the president ordered the attack and the battle of Cinco de Mayo began. The Mexicans led a raging force against the French army. Luckily, it started to rain, which was a great advantage for the Mexicans. The French were running out of weapons, and they were losing soldiers. If Lorencez wanted to save his army then he would have to retreat. Later that night, he did retreat. They waited for the Mexicans to attack again, but the Mexicans never did. Instead, they heard the Mexicans celebrating their victory. The French were waiting for two days at Puebla, but after seeing that the Mexican’s weren’t coming they left. The French were defeat...