Today in History: Cinco de Mayo

Mexico, the 5th of May in the Plaza de Armas

Today in History–May 5–the Library of Congress features Cinco de Mayo. On May 5, 1862, Mexican troops successfully defended the town of Puebla against French forces. In the spring of 1863, the city was recaptured by the French and a European was crowned Emperor of Mexico. Emperor Maximillian remained in power until 1867 when Napoleon III withdrew troops and abandoned Mexico. Today, Cinco de Mayo is a national holiday in Mexico and is marked as a celebration of Mexican culture in the United States. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access resources related to Mexico.

Cinco de Mayo image set

Cinco de Mayo U.S. historical newspaper coverage

1862 U.S. newspaper coverage relating to Puebla, Mexico

U.S. newspaper coverage relating to France and Mexico 1862-1867

Contemporary U.S. legislation related to Cinco de Mayo

Articles

World Spotlight: Mexico