Americans might love Cinco de Mayo, but few know what they're celebrating

Cinco de Mayo doesn’t mark Mexican Independence, as many believe.

Instead, it’s meant to celebrate the Battle of Puebla, which was fought between the Mexican and French armies in 1862.

• After Mexico won independence from Spain in 1821, other nations did not want to recognize its autonomy.
• After a civil war in the late 1850s, Benito Juárez became Mexico's first indigenous president in 1861.
• Juárez canceled repayments on foreign loans to protect Mexico's struggling economy.
• It angered Britain, Spain, and France, and they jointly sent a force to Mexico but withdrew when it became evident that Napoleon III had plans to overthrow the new Mexican government.
• On May 5, 1862, the Battle of Puebla took place. Although the Mexican Army was outnumbered two to one, they repelled attacks by the French army on the city of Puebla.
• Four days later, on May 9, 1862, Juárez declared Cinco de Mayo a national holiday.
• Even though the French eventually defeated the Mexican Army, the battle of Puebla proved that Mexico was a formidable opponent worthy of international respect.