Most modern history books tell the sanitized, politically correct version of Cinco de Mayo. What is the story behind it and why should Texans care?

First, the leader of the Mexican forces was Ignacio Zaragosa Seguin. Although many times the link to the Seguin family is ommitted, he was part of that family which played a dominant role in Texas history. He was born at Goliad, Texas. Even if one does not like his politics, he was a Texan and we need to support our own.

Another story often left out concerns the reason the French were in Mexico in the first place. The Mexican government under Santa Anna took out a loan from the French government to purchase those fancy uniforms they wore at the Alamo and Goliad. The French did not like being stiffed on the debt and took action. They sent an army into Mexico to collect. Along with the French also came the Belgian, English, Spanish and other troops. While the Yankee army was busy oppressing and initiating the military occupation of the South, they were not in a position to enforce the Monroe doctrine and stop the Europeans from getting involved in North American affairs. The French were essentially operating as bill collectors.

In the Battle of Puebla, the French forces were defeated by the Mexican army. Although Seguin had been mauled by French forces in earlier fighting, he and his men managed to defeat them in this battle. Although the French are often ridiculed for not winning battles, they won their share against the Mexican armies. Recall that it was in this war that the French Foreign Legion made their famous stand at the Battle of Camerone, where 67 Frenchmen stood against 2000 plus Mexicans. The battle is legendary in terms of French Foreign Legion heritage.

When the Mexican army managed to win a battle, they celebrated. In the case of the Mexicans, they were defending their homeland from illegal immigrants in the form of an invading army. During the battle, the French attempted taking some fortified positions, which they failed to take. While they were withdrawing from the battle, the Mexicans attacked them with cavalry and pushed them back even further.

Although President Benito Juarez declared the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla a ‘national holiday’ in 1862, the present day Mexican government does not recognize it as a federal holiday. It is recognized in the State of Puebla. So although some say it is a Mexican holiday, the reality is that it once was, but no longer is. The emphasis on Cinco de Mayo in the United States began as a marketing campaign aimed at improving the relations between the United States and Mexican nationals in the 1950’s.

Cinco de Mayo does represent the local people rising up against an occupational army. The idea of rising up against occupational forces is a good thing to remember. There is power when the people rise up against an invader.

We need to remember to celebrate victories over occupational armies.

We need to remember that local men can defeat foreign invaders.

We need to remember that even Mexican armies, when led by a Texan are victorious.

Viva Texas!

Liberty for Texas and the South!

J Murrah

battle of puebla, Belgium, belgium army, Cinco de Mayo, Culture, France, mexican army, mexican government, mexican holiday, Political Well Being, president juarez, seguin, seguin family, zaragosa

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