In the early 1860's Mexico finds itself in an economic difficulty
due to the war between the Conservatives and the Liberals. The
Conservatives wanted to impose a monarchy in Mexico, arguing that
it was the only way to have peace. The Liberals approved the Reform
Laws given by President Benito Juarez and they asked for free
and democratic elections. In order to continue the fight, they
ask Spain, France, and England for money. They cannot pay it back
and for this reason they ask the three countries for a forebearance
or extension. Spain and England accept it, but France sees this
as an opportunity to invade Mexico, intending to establish a European
empire that might stop the expansionist power of the United States.
This economic debt is one of the main events that led to the battle
on May 5, 1862, where the Mexican troops headed by the Mexican
General Ignacio Zaragoza were successful against the French troops
headed by General Lorences.
The problem continued because the French did not leave Mexico,
on the contrary, they sent Archduke Maximillian of Austria and
his wife, Carlota, to govern the country. They were supported
by the French Emperor Napoleon III with money and a small troop.
They landed in Veracruz in May, 1864 and from that moment on the
sufferings began for the couple who were never accepted by the
Mexican people. They were pursued by the Liberal Army until Carlota
left for Europe to ask for help after Napoleon III stopped his
support. Maximillian fled Mexico City for Queretaro where he was
captured and held prisioner. He was finally executed at the Cerro
de las Campanas along with two conservative generals, one
on each side of him, in June, 1867 by order of President Benito
Juarez. Mexico returned to being a self-governing, independent
nation.
Cinco
de Mayo