Cinco de Mayo’s Civil War Connection

Summary

HISTORY This Week: Cinco de Mayo’s Civil War Connection

Host: Alana Casanova Burgess
Guest: Dr. David Hayes Bautista, Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Director of the Center for the Study on Latino Health and Culture at UCLA
Release Date: May 5, 2025

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Introduction

In the episode titled “Cinco de Mayo’s Civil War Connection,” HISTORY This Week delves into the intertwined histories of Mexico’s Battle of Puebla and the American Civil War. Host Alana Casanova Burgess, alongside guest Dr. David Hayes Bautista, explores how Cinco de Mayo transcends its common celebration in the United States, uncovering its profound roots in civil conflict and Latino resilience.

Setting the Scene: Puebla, May 5, 1862

The episode opens on a spring morning in Puebla, Mexico. Dr. Bautista narrates the tension-filled atmosphere as Bartolo Bautista, an armed civilian (siviles armados), stands on the fortified walls observing the approaching French army.

Dr. Bautista [02:05]: "They were part of what they called siviles armados. They were armed civilians, just called up as cannon fodder, given rifles, and told to go fight the French."

The Battle of Puebla

With the Mexican army stretched thin due to recent civil conflicts, civilians like Bartolo are thrust into battle against the technologically superior French forces. As the French army of 6,000 men advances, the severely outnumbered Mexicans prepare for a desperate defense.

Dr. Bautista [03:26]: "The French lined them up against the wall. They were going to be executed."

In a dramatic turn, Bartolo’s birthmark, shaped like a hand over his heart, reportedly spares him from execution due to French superstitions—a story Dr. Bautista later questions for its veracity but acknowledges its symbolic significance.

Cinco de Mayo: Origins

The victory at Puebla by the Mexican forces leads to the emergence of Cinco de Mayo as a day commemorating resistance and unity. However, Dr. Bautista highlights that Cinco de Mayo holds different meanings in Mexico and the United States.

Dr. Bautista [05:13]: "The story behind Cinco de Mayo—how did a Mexican victory become a day that's celebrated in the United States?"

The Latino Influence During the Gold Rush

The narrative transitions to the mid-19th century, where the discovery of gold in California ignites a massive influx of immigrants, including Latin Americans seeking fortune. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo transfers vast territories from Mexico to the United States, profoundly impacting Mexican citizens who now face new governance and diminished rights.

Dr. Bautista [06:03]: "Within just 10 short days, two things would happen that would change the country and the world forever."

Latino Contributions to the US Civil War

Amidst the turmoil, the growing Latino community in California becomes deeply involved in the American Civil War, rallying behind President Abraham Lincoln’s fight against slavery and for democracy.

Dr. Bautista [13:26]: "The vast majority of Latinos said, well, who’s fighting for slavery and who’s for freedom, equality, and democracy? Well, Abraham Lincoln."

Latinos not only support the Union through voting and financial contributions but also actively join the military, forming Spanish-speaking units that bolster the Union's efforts.

French Intervention in Mexico

The episode shifts focus to the broader geopolitical tensions involving Mexico. Dr. Bautista explains how President Benito Juarez’s progressive policies and debts led European powers, particularly France under Napoleon III, to intervene militarily in Mexico with imperial ambitions.

Dr. Bautista [15:15]: "Juarez was able to convince the British and the Spanish bankers, 'Look, I’ve got nothing here. Let's get our economy going first.' But that left the French."

Napoleon III’s desire to expand French influence and support Confederate interests during the American Civil War makes Mexico a strategic target. The French aim to install Archduke Maximilian of Austria as a puppet emperor, challenging Juarez’s legitimate government.

The Outcome and Legacy

Despite initial setbacks, including the iconic Battle of Puebla, French forces ultimately succeed in capturing Mexico City and installing Maximilian. However, the delay caused by the Puebla victory hampers their ability to support the Confederate cause effectively, indirectly contributing to the Union's eventual victory in the American Civil War.

Dr. Bautista [29:11]: "The battle of Puebla in 1862 postponed the French ability to help until 1863. By then, by the skin of his teeth, Lincoln was able to preside over the victory at Gettysburg."

The episode also touches on the assassination of Lincoln and its devastating impact on the Latino community, who had looked to both Lincoln and Juarez as symbols of progress and democracy.

Continued Resistance in Mexico

Dr. Bautista details the prolonged resistance against Maximilian’s regime, emphasizing Juarez’s unwavering leadership and the eventual withdrawal of French forces following Maximilian’s execution in 1867. This restoration of Juarez solidifies Mexican independence and democratic governance.

Modern Cinco de Mayo

Concluding the episode, Dr. Bautista reflects on the evolution of Cinco de Mayo from a significant historical commemoration to its contemporary celebration in the United States. He advocates for a return to its original meaning, emphasizing themes of human and civil rights that remain relevant today.

Dr. Bautista [31:45]: "I would like it to be celebrated today for the same reason it was celebrated back in 1862—when Latinos marched in the streets to let the world know where they stood on the issues of the American Civil War."

Conclusion

“Cinco de Mayo’s Civil War Connection” offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical events that shaped Latino identity and influence in both Mexico and the United States. Through expert analysis and engaging storytelling, HISTORY This Week underscores the enduring significance of Cinco de Mayo as a symbol of resilience, unity, and the ongoing struggle for equality and democracy.

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Notable Quotes:

• Dr. David Hayes Bautista [02:05]: "They were part of what they called siviles armados. They were armed civilians, just called up as cannon fodder, given rifles, and told to go fight the French."

• Dr. David Hayes Bautista [05:13]: "The story behind Cinco de Mayo—how did a Mexican victory become a day that's celebrated in the United States?"

• Dr. David Hayes Bautista [13:26]: "The vast majority of Latinos said, well, who’s fighting for slavery and who’s for freedom, equality, and democracy? Well, Abraham Lincoln."

• Dr. David Hayes Bautista [29:11]: "The battle of Puebla in 1862 postponed the French ability to help until 1863. By then, by the skin of his teeth, Lincoln was able to preside over the victory at Gettysburg."

• Dr. David Hayes Bautista [31:45]: "I would like it to be celebrated today for the same reason it was celebrated back in 1862—when Latinos marched in the streets to let the world know where they stood on the issues of the American Civil War."

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Acknowledgments:
Special thanks to Dr. David Hayes Bautista for his insightful contributions. This episode was produced and sound-designed by Ben Dickstein, produced by Katherine Isaac, and hosted by Alana Casanova Burgess for Back Pocket Studios in partnership with the History Channel.

Stay Connected:
For more insights and updates, visit historythisweekpodcast.com or email us at [e-mail].

Transcript

[Julian]

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[David Hayes Bautista]

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[David Hayes Bautista]

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[Julian]

And guys were mad about it. One dude even started a petition. So guess what? Degree heard us, admitted they messed up and brought the original Cool Rush scent back exactly how it was. And it's in Walmart, Target and other stores now for under $4. So grab some and remember why its cool, crisp and fresh scent made it the number one men's antiperspirant for the last decade. Degree Cool Rush is back and it smells like victory for all of us. The History Channel Original Podcast history this week May 5, 1862. I'm Alana Casanova Burgess. It's a spring morning in Puebla, a City around 80 miles southeast of Mexico City. About three days on horseback, Bartolo Bautista is standing on the walls that fortify the city, looking out into the distance. The day is gray. The pressure is dropping. It feels like it's going to rain. But Bautista isn't watching the weather. He's looking to the horizon. And then he sees it way out in the distance. A sea of blue and white with flashes of gold. The French army, 6,000 men, marching towards him. Marching towards Puebla.

[David Hayes Bautista]

The family story goes, the French were approaching.

[Julian]

That's Bartolo Bautista's great, great grandson, David Hayes Bautista. And many of the men fighting at Puebla on May 5, 1862 are just like his ancestor.

[David Hayes Bautista]

They were part of they were called siviles armados. They're armed civilians. Just called up his cannon fodder, given a rifle and said, go fight the French.

[Julian]

The Mexican army is in a pinch. Their forces and their funds are depleted from a recent civil war. They need civilians like Bautista just to have the numbers to fight. And now they're facing down one of the most formidable armies in the world. A military machine with top of the line training and weapons. The Mexicans are outnumbered by some estimates as much as 3 to 1. Bartolo Bautista watches the French army get closer and closer until they stop and line up and charge. All of a sudden, Bautista is in the middle of a battle. Smoke, gunfire, chaos. Soon he's surrounded and they got cut off. Captured by the French, Bartolo and his fellow soldiers are told, prepare to die.

[David Hayes Bautista]

The French lined them up against the wall. They were going to be executed.

[Julian]

They tell the soldiers to take off their shirts. The French army needs clothing and don't want it bloody.

[David Hayes Bautista]

My grandfather took off his shirt and suddenly the rifles were lowered.

[Julian]

The French soldiers confer amongst themselves. Then one of them points straight at Bartolo Bautista.

[David Hayes Bautista]

Why? So the story goes, he had a birthmark in the form of a hand right over his heart.

[Julian]

The birthmark saved him. Or so the family story goes. The French soldiers are superstitious. Shooting a man with that birthmark would be bad luck.

[David Hayes Bautista]

So detailed you could even see the fingernails on the fingers. So they let him go. I used to think that's a pretty good story, must be true, all that detail. Until I discovered other stories from other people have this exact same detail. So I, I now say it's a family tale. Possibly apocryphal, but certainly a rollicking good story.

[Julian]

Yes, other families have lore about their ancestors involving a birthmark shaped like a hand. So whether or not that particular detail is true, it is a fact that thousands of soldiers like Bartolo Bautista fight that day. And most of them, they aren't captured. Because that day the Mexican army does something extraordinary. They hold the French off. They force a retreat. They win. Over a century and a half later, the Battle of Puebla has become the stuff of legend. But not just in the Bautista family. Maybe you've even heard of it. Cinco de Mayo.

[David Hayes Bautista]

I went to Mexico as a student and discovered they don't celebrate Cinco de.

[Julian]

Mayo in Mexico today. The story behind Cinco de Mayo. How did a Mexican victory become a day that's celebrated in the United States? And what exactly is being celebrated? The origins of Cinco de Mayo do have their roots in Mexico, but not today's Mexico. Mexico used to encompass what's now California, Texas, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Oklahoma and Kansas. And at this moment, the region that will become the state of California is on the precipice of radical change.

[David Hayes Bautista]

Along comes what I call the Latino big bang. The 10 days that changed the Spanish speaking world. Not only in California, not only in Mexico, but around the Western hemisphere.

[Julian]

That's David Hayes Bautista again. In addition to having a family connection to this story. He's also a professor at UCLA who wrote a book on the history of Cinco de Mayo and this Latino big bang he describes. Within just 10 short days, two things will happen that will change the country and the world forever. The first, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas. Gold. It's discovered in California in 1848, lots of it. And people start heading west to make their fortune. But there's other people who are actually heading north.

[David Hayes Bautista]

It set off a huge wave of immigration from Mexico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Brazil, even Spain into California seeking gold.

[Julian]

This flood of migration, the beginning of the Gold rush had already begun when the second major change hits California nine days later, on February 2, 1848, it becomes a part of the United States.

[David Hayes Bautista]

People who on February 1st went to bed as citizens of the Republic of Mexico, woke up the next morning as citizens of the United States.

[Julian]

The US essentially buys 525,000 square miles of land from Mexico for $15 million in the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, including the newly gold rich territory of California. For those living in those 525,000 square miles, this is a shock to the system. If they choose to stay in the United States, they're going to be subject to a whole new set of laws. Mexico's constitution was much more progressive than the US's. It banned slavery, it promoted racial equality, and overnight all of those rights have been pulled back. And these former Mexican citizens are upset.

[David Hayes Bautista]

Well, Latinos did not like that. So they went to the California Constitutional Convention and they argued in Spanish and they win. So actually, California came in as a state very different from the other states. Bilingual, no slavery, racial equality, married women having rights.

[Julian]

Largely due to the Gold Rush, California's Latino population is growing and a brand new bilingual bicultural community flourishes. But the Gold rush also brings in white migrants from all over the us and as a result, Latinos face severe discrimination. Unfair foreign miners, taxes, predatory land laws, even lynchings. Still, there was strength in numbers. And this new Latino American culture thrives. Operas, theaters, newspapers.

[David Hayes Bautista]

In spite of all the lynchings and everything else, Latino civil society really took root.

[Julian]

An essential part of this new cultural boom are those Spanish language newspapers. The first one in Los Angeles was started by a young typesetter named Francisco P. Ramirez.

[David Hayes Bautista]

Francisco P. Ramirez learned his craft just being a printer's boy and then set up his own newspaper when he was 17 years old.

[Julian]

Ramirez's newspaper, El Clamor Publico, would play a vital role in the political life of Latinos in California. And it isn't the only one. Newspapers like Ramirez's connect readers to current events in both the US and and in Mexico. Some of those readers have been citizens of both of these fledgling democracies. They care about the future of both countries. But those futures, they're about to come under threat because soon two wars will be fought, one in the US and one in Mexico. Two democracies will fight for freedom, their values, and their survival. And Latinos are going to play a major role in both. History this Week is now in its sixth season. Kind of crazy, and we love bringing you these stories. All of our work is supported by the ads you hear on the show, but if you don't want to hear those ads, we're now introducing history this week plus available exclusively on Apple Podcasts for just $2.99 per month. You'll get all of our new episodes without any of the ads, and we'll be adding ad free versions of our older episodes too. So subscribe now and get your first week free. History this Week plus exclusively on Apple Podcasts Eczema isn't always obvious, but it's real. And so is the relief from EBGLIS. After an initial dosing phase of 16 weeks, about 4 in 10 people taking EBGLIS achieved itch relief and clear or almost clear skin. And most of those people maintained skin that's still more clear at one year with monthly dosing.

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[David Hayes Bautista]

The vast, vast, vast majority of Latinos said, well, who's fighting for slavery and who's for freedom, equality and democracy? Well, Abraham Lincoln, who's fighting for equality versus white supremacy? Well, Abraham Lincoln, who's fighting for democracy versus elitist plantation? Well, Abraham Lincoln. We're going to support Abraham Lincoln not only in votes and in money, but also in terms of joining the US Military. You had whole units of Spanish speaking United States Cavalry here in California.

[Julian]

As Latinos head off to fight for their new country, Mexico is just ending its own internal conflict.

[David Hayes Bautista]

There had been a civil fight, almost civil war in Mexico between the liberals who were propounding this new Constitution and there were conservatives who always had in the back of their mind bringing back some member of nobility to rule Mexico.

[Julian]

The liberals are led by President Benito Juarez, a Zapotec orphan who had made a name for himself as a lawyer, then a judge and now the country's first indigenous president. Juarez is an advocate for freedom, democracy and civil rights. He's more progressive than his US Counterpart, Abraham Lincoln. He advocates not only for no slavery, but also for expanded rights for the poor, workers and women. And after years of fighting forces opposed to his constitutional rule, Juarez has finally triumphed. But this victory has created a new set of problems.

[David Hayes Bautista]

Juarez inherited a government that had contracted large debts with French, British and Spanish banks. So the British, the French and the Spanish governments got together, formed a triple alliance to go into Mexico and demand that this debt be paid.

[Julian]

Mexico is broke and in debt to three of the world's biggest military powers. France, Britain and Spain. They haven't made any loan payments in two years. And in December 1861, those powers land on the shores of Veracruz in southeast Mexico and demand payment. After some tense negotiations, Juarez reaches some agreements.

[David Hayes Bautista]

Juarez was able to convince the British and the Spanish bankers. Look, I've got nothing here. Let's get our economy going first. And so they withdrew. But that left the French.

[Julian]

The French. The French aren't willing to absolve the debt. They're led by Napoleon Bonaparte iii, nephew to Napoleon, the one you think of when people say Napoleon. Napoleon III is a distinctive man. Red hair, a bushy beard and a pointed mustache. He's elected president of France in 1848, but soon declared himself Emperor, just like his uncle. And Napoleon, he's after more than just Mexico's money. He's eager to reassert France's power on the world stage and expand his empire. Mexico's debt is the perfect excuse for an intervention, one he can leverage into a full takeover. He even has the perfect puppet to replace President Juarez. Someone with a pedigreed bloodline from the House of Habsburg whose favor would benefit Napoleon's political ambitions in Europe. The Austrian Archduke Maximilian. Napoleon wants to conquer Mexico, install Maximilian as leader, and then look north.

[David Hayes Bautista]

Napoleon III loved the Confederates. He hated the United States. He hated the idea of democracy. He hated Abraham Lincoln.

[Julian]

Napoleon III's personal sympathies might lie with the Confederacy. And for a time, it looks like he is considering intervention. But the Union navy is blockading the entire eastern seaboard of the U.S. napoleon figures if he can secure Mexico, he can establish a supply line straight to the Confederacy up from the south and help defeat Lincoln. Benito Juarez needs to stop Napoleon both to preserve his own democracy in Mexico and democracy across the continent. This existential battle is felt by Latinos in the US they have a stake in both wars.

[David Hayes Bautista]

For Latinos here In California, it was one war with two fronts. One front against the Confederates and one front against the French.

[Julian]

In December 1861, Napoleon's army lands at Veracruz. The French proclaim France's flag has been planted on Mexican soil and this flag will not retreat. Let fools dare fight it. The French are here to take the country. They capture Veracruz. President Juarez flees north to Mexico City, and 6,000 French troops set off after him.

[David Hayes Bautista]

But before they could get to Mexico City, to take over the government and then bring in Maximilian, they had to pass through the town called Puebla.

[Julian]

But the French aren't worried. They'd already taken Veracruz with little resistance. Was Puebla really going to give them a fight? It's May 1862, and the word has already spread through Puebla and the surrounding towns. The French are coming. Thousands of men take up arms. Among those men is likely Bartolo Bautista, their leader, a young man appointed by President Juarez himself, General Ignacio Zaragoza.

[David Hayes Bautista]

Things are looking bad. The French are marching towards Mexico City. And what happened on the morning of May 5? The French, who were probably pretty cocky because they hadn't encountered much opposition ever since they left the stronghold at Veracruz, they charged, just thinking, this will be over by noon.

[Julian]

But General Zaragoza is ready.

[David Hayes Bautista]

They were repulsed. So they gathered their forces and they charged again. And they were repulsed. And they charged again and they were repulsed.

[Julian]

By the end of the day, the 5th of May, Cinco de Mayo. The French haven't taken Puebla. In fact, they've lost around a thousand men, a sixth of their troops.

[David Hayes Bautista]

We get to the next day, May 6th. The French army lines up and then it retreats.

[Julian]

The casualties were just too high.

[David Hayes Bautista]

For the first time since the Napoleonic War, the French army left the field of battle.

[Julian]

Puebla remains free. Juarez remains president. The French retreat back to Veracruz. They're not leaving Mexico. But this is still a huge victory, and news travels fast.

[David Hayes Bautista]

All of this is being reported in great detail by the Spanish language newspapers here in California.

[Julian]

For Latinos in the US this victory is a relief. They need the good news because there's another front to what they see as this broad continental struggle. And that other front, the American Civil War is not going their way.

[David Hayes Bautista]

People up and down the state of California and into Nevada heard of this victory. And when it was compared to defeat after defeat after defeat for Abraham Lincoln's army of Freedom and Democracy, suddenly here's this little ragtag Mexican army beats the French. For Latinos who have been following the Civil War, it's like, wow, we want a big one.

[Julian]

These communities break out in spontaneous celebration. Up and down the state parties marches through the street. But these communities do more than cheer. They start organizing.

[David Hayes Bautista]

After the initial enthusiasm died down, they felt they needed to honor the victorious General Zaragoza.

[Julian]

They decide to make him a ceremonial sword, what they call a sword of honor.

[David Hayes Bautista]

The newspapers just basically sort of said, gee, it'd be nice. And suddenly people started sending money in.

[Julian]

A lot of money, like thousands of dollars. They hire a jeweler in San Francisco to make the sword.

[David Hayes Bautista]

The pummel of the sword had a California bear with rubies for eyes. But then also on the other side was Bee, the Mexican eagle.

[Julian]

Saragossa falls ill shortly after the Battle of Puebla and dies before the sword can reach him. But this project is invigorating to the organizers.

[David Hayes Bautista]

My God, we can raise thousands of dollars overnight. They decided to continue doing so to help Juarez. And so they organized what were called Juntas Patrioticas Mexicanas, Mexican Patriotic Assemblies.

[Julian]

As the juntas begin organizing, it becomes increasingly clear both Lincoln and Juarez need their support spiritually and financially.

[David Hayes Bautista]

You had to promise to support both Juarez and Lincoln give wages every month for as long as these two battles shall be fought.

[Julian]

Both wars are at crucial junctures. The Union is suffering loss after loss, even as Lincoln issues his famed Emancipation Proclamation on New Year's Day 1863. And Juarez, after almost a year in Mexico City, is now under threat again because the French have gathered reinforcements once more. They're marching towards Puebla, this time with a chip on their shoulder. Foreign this episode is brought to you by State Farm. You might say all kinds of stuff when things go wrong, but these are the words you really need to remember. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. They've got options to fit your unique insurance needs, meaning you can talk to your agent to choose the coverage you need. Have coverage options to protect the things you value most. File a claim right on the State Farm mobile app, and even reach a real person when you need to talk to someone. Like a good neighbor. State Farm is there. This episode is brought to you by Lifelock. Not everyone is careful with your personal information, which might explain why there's a victim of identity theft every five seconds in the US. Fortunately, there's LifeLock. LifeLock monitors hundreds of millions of data points a second for threats to your identity. If your identity is stolen, a US based restoration specialist will fix it, guaranteed or your money back. Save up to 40% your first year by visiting lifelock.com podcast.

[David Hayes Bautista]

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[Julian]

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[David Hayes Bautista]

Napoleon III took it as a personal affront that a group of Indians would beat the mightiest army. And of course he was shamed that the French army left the field of battle. You're supposed to fight to the last person. So he needed to go back for him as a point of honor to go back take Mexico. And he had to go through Puebla.

[Julian]

But Napoleon has learned he can't underestimate the Mexican army. And this time he comes prepared.

[David Hayes Bautista]

He quintupled his forces. Originally he had about 6,000 French that lost at Puebla. He then sent about 30,000 troops over and they came back to Puebla and they encircled it and laid siege to it so that no food or supplies could enter.

[Julian]

The city is cut off. And again, just like the year before, the French attack once a day, almost.

[David Hayes Bautista]

Regular as it can be, the French charge and get repulsed. The next day charge get repulsed, next day charge get repulsed. So this is like a two month long sudden death basketball game. And real about the death. I mean this is for Keith. But every day it seemed like, are they going to take us now? Are they going to take us now? And they kept them at Bay for two months.

[Julian]

May 5 is approaching the anniversary of the French defeat at the first battle of Puebla.

[David Hayes Bautista]

Napoleon has said we have to take Puebla before the Cinco de Mayo. We can't let them have the honor of the first annual celebration of Cinco de Mayo. But he failed.

[Julian]

As of May 5, 1863, the Mexican army still holds Puebla. And when news reaches Latinos in the US they celebrate once again. They're commemorating the anniversary of the resistance the year before and this continued resistance at Puebla. A year later. The parties in Los Angeles are particularly festive.

[David Hayes Bautista]

It wasn't just a private dance. It was like a whole huge thing where they had an honor guard, bonfires at night, huge parade the next day, speeches, events.

[Julian]

Newspaper man Francisco P. Ramirez is chosen to give a speech. He tells the crowd that the Struggle for Mexico is one for all of Latin America. He praises the work of the Juntas Patrioticas and he ends his speech. Hurrah for independence. Hurrah for liberty. Hurrah for the Mexicans living in California.

[David Hayes Bautista]

So there was this big celebration on Cinco de Mayo and the Mexican flag still flies over Puebla.

[Julian]

But that flag starts to falter.

[David Hayes Bautista]

The effects of the siege were taking place. The Mexican troops ran out of ammunition, they ran out of food. Around about the middle, about May 15th or thereabouts, they finally said, okay, come and take us, we can't resist.

[Julian]

At 5:30am Puebla raises the white flag. After 62 days of siege, they surrender.

[David Hayes Bautista]

The Mexican army was taken prisoner. And of course that had an immediately deflating effect on all this euphoria. Because just two weeks earlier. Hey Mexico, rah, rah, rah. Suddenly, two weeks, oh my God, they're taking Puebla.

[Julian]

On June 10, 1863, French forces captured Mexico City. Napoleon III installs his puppet Maximilian as the emperor of Mexico. Yes, the French are ultimately successful, but that year long delay between the two battles of Puebla may have proved pivotal in the US Civil War.

[David Hayes Bautista]

Gettysburg was a close run thing. The three days it could have gone either way.

[Julian]

Remember Napoleon wanted to establish a supply supply line to aid the Confederacy. By the time he captured Puebla and Mexico City, it was too late. Lincoln and the Union army are already on the path to victory.

[David Hayes Bautista]

The battle of Puebla in 1862 postponed the French ability to help until 1863. And by then, by the skin of his teeth, Lincoln was able to preside over the victory at Gettysburg.

[Julian]

The Union carries this momentum through the end of the Civil War and defeats the Confederacy in April of 1865. When Lincoln is assassinated just days later, it lands as a double blow to the Mexican American community in the western states. Throughout the Civil War Haze, Bautista says Lincoln and Juarez had been their two guiding lights.

[David Hayes Bautista]

Latinos marched in the funeral processions in San Francisco. Even the little mining towns would have their own vigils mourning the death of Lincoln.

[Julian]

That other guiding light, Benito Juarez, is on the run until the tide starts to shift in Mexico. Although Napoleon makes Maximilian leader of the so called Mexican Empire, Juarez never relinquishes his power.

[David Hayes Bautista]

Juarez flees, but he takes the Constitution and all the law books with him. Basically, wherever Juarez was, was the seat of Mexican government.

[Julian]

And over the next few years the resistance against Maximilian grows.

[David Hayes Bautista]

The French Empire or the, I'm sorry, Mexican Empire lasted about four years that never really completely conquered the whole area. Because Juarez was able to maintain support.

[Julian]

Eventually Napoleon III withdraws. He leaves behind Maximilian, now a sitting duck.

[David Hayes Bautista]

He was captured and he was tried as a traitor, although he had Mexicanized quite a bit. And I believe as he was shot, he took off his hat and said viva Mexico. And he was shot on Juneteenth 1867.

[Julian]

Once again, Mexico is independent. Juarez remains president until his death in 1872. And in the US the communities that broke out into celebration for Cinco de Mayo in 1862 and 1863 continue in 1864, five, six, and on and on. In those early years. It's a holiday commemorating resistance, bravery and independence. Generations later, the holiday looks a little different. The story behind Cinco de Mayo has largely been forgotten, but it's one worth celebrating.

[David Hayes Bautista]

I would like it to be celebrated today for the same reason it was celebrated back in 1862 when Latinos marched in the streets to let the world know where they stood on the issues of the American Civil War, that they supported freedom and opposed slavery, they supported racial equality, they opposed white supremacy, they supported a government of the people, by the people and for the people. It was about human rights, civil rights. It's gone a long way from that, but I'd like for us to bring it back because these issues are very real. They're still polarizing this country to this day. I would just like people to remember this is our skin in that game. It was called Cinco de Mayo. Foreign.

[Julian]

Thanks for listening to History this Week, a Back Pocket Studios production in partnership with the History Channel. To stay updated on all things History this week, sign [e-mail] and if you have any thoughts or questions, send us an [e-mail] Special thanks to our guest, David Hayes Bautista, Distinguished professor of Medicine and Director of the center for the Study on Latino Health and Culture at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and author of El Cinco de An American Tradition. This episode was produced and sound designed by Ben Dickstein. It was also produced by Katherine Isaac and was hosted by me, Alana Casanova Burgess for Back Pocket Studios. Our executive producer is Ben Dickstein from the History Channel. Our executive producers are Eli Lehrer and Liv Fiddler. Don't forget to follow rate and review History this Week, wherever you get your podcasts and we'll see you next week.