Feliz Cinco de Mayo

Ghoulish Delight · 05-05-2009, 09:57 AM

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day, and is not even a federally recognized holiday in Mexico.

It's the celebration of an isolated battle, in the state of Puebla, in which Meixcan troops, fewer in number and less trained, defeated occupying French forces. It slowed the French, who were trying to take over Mexico, although the French did eventually succeed in occupying Mexico City for 5 years until the US forced the installed Emperor Maxamilian out.

It's possible that the Battle of Pueblo was tangentially instrumental to the Union's victory in the Civil War. The Confederates were looking for an ally, and the French, likely keen on the US splitting up, would have been a good candidate. The unexpected difficulty they had in Pueblo may have prevented them from lending the resources the South could have used to hold their ground and succeed on secession.

Moonliner · 05-05-2009, 10:00 AM

Viva Cinco de Mayo!

F'ing with the French is the best reason ever for an informal drinking holiday.

Stan4dSteph · 05-05-2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

Contrary to popular belief, blah blah blah

I knew that already.

Ghoulish Delight · 05-05-2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stan4dSteph

I knew that already.

Guess you're not popular.

05-05-2009, 09:57 AM	#1
Ghoulish Delight I Floop the Pig Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alternative Swankstyle Posts: 19,348	Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day, and is not even a federally recognized holiday in Mexico. It's the celebration of an isolated battle, in the state of Puebla, in which Meixcan troops, fewer in number and less trained, defeated occupying French forces. It slowed the French, who were trying to take over Mexico, although the French did eventually succeed in occupying Mexico City for 5 years until the US forced the installed Emperor Maxamilian out. It's possible that the Battle of Pueblo was tangentially instrumental to the Union's victory in the Civil War. The Confederates were looking for an ally, and the French, likely keen on the US splitting up, would have been a good candidate. The unexpected difficulty they had in Pueblo may have prevented them from lending the resources the South could have used to hold their ground and succeed on secession. __________________ 'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.' -TJ
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05-05-2009, 10:00 AM	#2
Moonliner 8/30/14 - Disneyland -10k or Bust. Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 9,022	Viva Cinco de Mayo! F'ing with the French is the best reason ever for an informal drinking holiday. __________________ - Taking it one step at a time.
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