74 The QUEE NS Courier • APRIL 28, 2016 for breaking news visit www.qns.com CINCO DE MAYO deep in debt. With no money to repay debts to countries like England, Spain and France, Mexican President Benito Juarez declared a moratorium. All foreign debt payments would be stopped for a period of two years to allow the country to get its finances in order and take the steps necessary to boost its economy. Neither England, Spain nor France favored the moratorium and the three appointed representatives to find an alternative. The Convention of London was soon created. Under its terms, England, Spain and France would be permitted to occupy the customhouse at the port of Veracruz and collect all customs as repayment on the debts owed to them by Mexico. In the meantime, Mexico would be allowed to retain its independence and govern its people accordingly. While Spain and England followed the terms of the Convention, France did not. Eager to expand the French empire, Emperor Napoleon III ordered troops to invade Mexico and occupy Mexico City. Aware of France’s intentions, England and Spain withdrew their support. Unfazed, the French army continued its march to the city under the command of General Latrille. Along the way, the French army met with resistance, particularly in the village of Puebla. General Latrille had been told that the conservative, proclerical village of Puebla would welcome the French army, but his source was wrong. Upon entering the village on May 5, 1862, the French army was attacked by a small Mexican army led by General Ignacio Zaragoza. Caught off guard and totally unprepared, General Latrille made one mistake after another, encouraging his troops to fight with reckless abandon, resulting in half of their ammunition being exhausted within just two hours of battle. By nightfall, the Mexican army, although seriously outnumbered and poorly outfitted, had defeated the French army. General Latrille ordered his troops to retreat and the invasion of Mexico was stopped for the time being. Later the French army would regroup, take control of Mexico City and install the Archduke Maximilian of Austria as emperor. His sovereignty would be cut short, however, as the United States, finally out of civil war, would provide some muchneeded assistance to Mexico and enable the Mexican army to overthrow Maximilian. After surrendering on May 15, 1867, Maximilian would be executed approximately a month later on June 19, 1867, ending the French influence in Mexico once and for all. Although they would not end the French invasion of their country, the Mexican army would put a stop to it temporarily on May 5, 1862. For that one glorious day, the Mexican army would be victorious, and from that victory, Mexico would illustrate to the world the strength of its nation and the desire of its people to remain independent. In honor of Mexico and the small army of individuals who fought so hard to retain its independence at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, Cinco de Mayo was born. (continued from page 73) of Bayside of Bayside SUNDAY BRUNCH 12-3 Monday & Tuesday with us graduation parties graduation parties showers christenings birthdays anniversaries rehearsal dinners or any other specials events Celebrate Cinco De Mayo 1/2 price Frozen drinks For Ladies and $3.00 Beers for everyone Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday Beginning May 5th 1/2 price frozen drinks for ladies and $3.00 beers for everyone Happy Hour 4-7 Mon-Fri showers christenings birthdays anniversaries rehearsal dinners or any others special events Book Now For Your Holiday Parties NOW TAKING RESERVATION FOR NEW YEARS EVE 34-37 bell blvd. • bayside • 718.631.0377 GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE www.tequilasunriseofbayside.com • all major credit cards accepted 34-37 Bell Blvd. • Bayside • 718.631.0377 GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE www.tequilasunriseofbayside.com • all major credit cards accepted
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