In 1862, an underdog Mexican army defeated the world's most powerful military
At the Battle of Puebla in 1862, an outnumbered and poorly equipped Mexican force achieved a stunning victory over the elite French army, creating a lasting symbol of national resistance and pride.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the unlikely victory of 4,000 Mexican soldiers against 6,000 highly trained French troops led by Napoleon III. Though the French eventually captured Mexico City later that year, the triumph at Puebla on May 5, 1862, provided a massive psychological boost to the Mexican resistance.
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