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On May 5th, 1862 La Batalla de Puebla, was fought. When the battle was over, the untrained Mexican forces (made up of commoners) had won victory over the all- powerful French army. Although this victory did not win was, it did show the courage and strength of the Mexican troupes. Mexico had gained its independence from Spain in 1821 but there were internal power struggles that left Mexico shaky. Then in 1846. under the dictatorship of Santa Anna, …

…and the rest of Mexico. The ruled there until 1867, then Juarez was restored to power where he ruled until his death in 1872. Cinco de Mayo celebrates the courage of the Mexican people during the battle on May 5th. It is often confused with the Mexican Independence Day, which occurred September 16, 1810 about 50 years later. The United Stated celebrates Cinco de Mayo on a much larger scale than Mexico with Fiestas, parades, mariachi music and piñatas.