by May Herz
¡Viva México! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México!
Mexicans are inherently festive; any reason sparks a celebration! The most significant and lively events are on September 16th, Independence Day, and May 5th, Cinco de Mayo. These occasions are perfect for expressing pride in being Mexican, love for the homeland, and confidence in Mexico’s independence, achieved through the efforts of countless men and women who fought for freedom. The fight for independence began on September 16th, 1810, driven by the desire to become a free nation and no longer be under Spanish rule. The struggle lasted ten years, culminating in the establishment of the first independent Mexican government in 1821.
Presidente Benito Juarez
Establishing independence was challenging for Mexico. Over time, the country received financial aid from nations like France, England, and later Spain. This led to considerable debt. Continuous political unrest, with various groups vying for power, prevented Mexico from repaying its loans. On July 17, 1861, President Benito Juarez declared a moratorium, suspending all foreign debt payments for two years with the assurance that payments would restart afterward.
By 1862, the three European nations sent their fleets to Mexico, seeking not only repayment but also land and rights as part of their debt settlement. A government official explained that Mexico acknowledged its debts but lacked the funds to pay. In response, they were offered payment warrants.
The Spaniards and the British decided to accept the warrants and withdrew from the scene. But the French government’s representative did not accept the offer and prompted his troops to invade the country and head toward Mexico City, the nation’s capital. They had to cross through the state of Puebla to get to the capital.
The Mexican President, Benito Juarez, reacted immediately and prepared the defense. He commanded Ignacio Zaragoza , a young and brave General, to fortify the City of Puebla and repel the French invaders.
