French expeditionary force at the time was led by General Charles de Lorencez
The Mexican victory against the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 in the French-Mexican War led to Cinco de Mayo being celebrated.
Mexicans, led by Ignacio Zaragoza against French forces, led by Charles de Lorencez.
Cinco de Mayo
The Battle of Puebla, which was fought on May 5 (Cinco de Mayo) was fought with the French. In July of 1861, a two-year moratorium of repayment of foriegn debt was issued by Mexico's President Benito Juárez, Britain, Spain and France responded by sending naval forces to Veracruz to demand payment. Britain and Spain negotiated with Mexico and withdrew, but France did not. That led to the French-Mexican War in which the Battle of Puebla was fought on May 5, 1862. Against tremendous odds, Mexico was the victor.
The Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza. The Battle was important because 4,000 Mexican soldiers defeated a much better-equipped French army composed of 8,000 men that had not been defeated for almost 50 years.
Saint Joan of Arc led the French army into battle.
Cinco de Mayo Batalla de Puebla.png Battle of Puebla Observed by Mexicans, Mexican Americans, and people of non-Mexican heritage Type Political Significance Celebration of the Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862 Celebrations Parades, food, music, folkloric dancing, battle reenactments Date May 5 Frequency yearly Related to El Día de la Batalla de Puebla Cinco de Mayo (pronounced [ˈsiŋko̞ ðe̞ ˈma̠ʝo̞] in Mexico, Spanish for "Fifth of May") is an annual celebration held on May 5, which commemorates the anniversary of Mexico's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.[1][2] Led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, the victory of a smaller, poorly equipped Mexican force against the larger and better armed French army was a morale boost for the Mexicans. Zaragoza died months after the battle from an illness, and a larger French force ultimately defeated the Mexican army at the Second Battle of Puebla and occupied Mexico City. More popular in the United States than in Mexico,[3][4] Cinco de Mayo has become associated with the celebration of Mexican-American culture.[5][6][7] Celebrations began in California, where they have been observed annually since 1863. The day gained nationwide popularity in the 1980s due to advertising campaigns by beer, wine, and tequila companies; today, Cinco de Mayo generates beer sales on par with the Super Bowl.[8] In Mexico, the commemoration of the battle continues to be mostly ceremonial, such as through military parades or battle reenactments. The city of Puebla marks the event with various festivals and reenactments of the battle. Cinco de Mayo is sometimes mistaken for Mexico's Independence Day—the most important national holiday in Mexico—which is celebrated on September 16, commemorating the Cry of Dolores in 1810, which initiated the war of Mexican independence from Spain.[1][9] Cinco de Mayo has been referenced and featured in entertainment media, and has become an increasingly global celebration of Mexican culture, cuisine, and heritage.
the french army
On the Mexican side it was General Ignacio Zaragoza (1829-1862); on the French side it was Count Charles Latrille (1814-1892).
The battle took place in the city of Puebla, and was fought between the Mexican Army and a French force that was withdrawing to the coast. A series of misunderstandings led to the battle, which resulted in the first-ever Mexican victory over the French forces occupying their country.
No, Joan led the French army.
Joan led the French army.