A History, a Celebration, and a Culture

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A History, a Celebration, and a Culture
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What do you see? What do you think? What do you
want to know?
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Here are some unique facts about this important
holiday
1.) It is NOT a celebration of Mexicos
Independence from Spain, which is actually
celebrated on ______________ 2.) It is widely
celebrated in the U.S., especially in states
with large Hispanic populations like
_________, __________, and ____________, 3.)
Cinco de Mayo celebrates the victory of one
small battle in_____________.
September 16th
Arizona
Texas
New Mexico
Puebla
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Now do the short reading
Remember your reading strategies..
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A little background.
Puebla is located to the southeast of Mexico City
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Key Figures That Made It All Possible
Benito Juarez President of Mexico 1861-1872
Napoleon III Emperor of France

Benito Juárez, a Zapotec Indian, was born and
raised in extreme poverty. With hard work,
determination, and strong love for his country,
Juárez became the only Indian president of Mexico
and defeated the French, who had occupied the
country for five years
Emperor Napoleon III wanted to form a great
empire which would extend to America.
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On May 5th, 1862, French General Conde de
Lorencez attacked the city of Puebla, which was
defended by
General Ignacio Zarazoga
Known as El heroe de México, he led an army
made up of mostly Indians to victory against the
French at the battle of Puebla
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Maxmiliano New Emperor of Mexico, assigned by
Napoleon III in 1864
The tragedy of Maximilian was that he assumed the
crown of Mexico in good faith and full of the
best intentions. He was upright and honest, and
genuinely wanted to lead Mexico into an age of
peace and prosperity.
He was assassinated in 1867, after which Benito
Juarez resumed his presidency. His last words
were
"I forgive everyone, and I ask everyone to
forgive me. May my blood which is about to be
shed, be for the good of the country. Viva
Mexico, viva la independencia!"  
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Questions to ponder.
How might things be different in the U.S. had
Mexico lost the battle at Puebla?
At Puebla the Mexicans had won a great victory
that kept Napoleon III from supplying the
confederate rebels for another year, allowing the
United States to build the greatest army the
world had ever seen.  This grand army smashed
the Confederates at Gettysburg just 14 months
after the battle of Puebla, essentially
ending the Civil War (1861- 1865).
(HINT) The French were supporting the South in
the Civil War
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Remember the Alamo! In 1835, the Alamo played a
critical role in the Texas Revolution as Texian
and Tejano volunteers claimed their independence
from Mexico by occupying the Alamo and its
village (today San Antonio). "Remember the
Alamo!" became the battle cry that would help win
Texas its independence. The Alamo defenders stood
up to tyranny and paid the ultimate price. But
the deaths of those brave defenders sparked a
rallying cry at San Jacinto that helped create
the Republic of Texas. "Yes, my friends, they
preferred to die a thousand times than to live
under the yoke of a tyrant." "Remember the
Alamo!"
Is the battle at Puebla is like so many others?
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Custers Last Stand The battle at
Little Big Horn was the pinnacle of the Indians'
power. They had achieved their greatest victory
yet when they overcame a better equipped army led
by General Custer. Although their union
ultimately fell apart in the face of the white
onslaught, this battle came to represent the
unification and bravery that defined many Indian
nations.
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Tiananmen Square In 1989 the Chinese Government
lost patience with a student movement calling for
democracy in Tiananmen square. They ordered the
peoples army to turn their weapons on the student
protestors. A young student got the worlds
attention by standing in front of a moving line
of tanks in protest of the militarys involvement
in the protests. His single move was felt around
the world and came to represent the strength of
an entire nation. His solitary move challenged
the legitimacy of an entire government and
encouraged hope for democracy.
Why is it important for citizens to be involved
in the political process?
One person can make a difference!
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This is how Cinco de Mayo may be celebrated in
Mexico or in the U.S.
Bailes, Fiestas, and Desfiles
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Música y Cabalgatas
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Reconstrucciones y Mariachi
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Cinco de Mayo.
The town where the battle was fought
Ignacio Zarazoga
President of Mexico in 1862
Puebla
Emperor of France
Benito Juarez
Maximiliano
El Heroe de México
Named Emperor of Mexico, 1864 by Napoleo III
Napoleón III
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Now, looking back at this painting, what do you
know about Cinco de Mayo (list three things in
your own words?
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Homework Complete the crossword on the back of
your Cinco de Mayo article.