THE 4 MOST IMPORTANT CAUSES OF THE BATTLE OF PUEBLA - HISTORY - 2024

Some of the main causes of the Battle of Puebla were the economic debt contracted by Mexico with various European powers and French colonial interests.

In addition to these, the French desire to expand its foreign trade, and the need for control and support of the French colonies already existing in the Antilles, were also important causes.

The battle of Puebla marked a historic victory for Mexico over the French imperial troops

The Battle of Puebla took place on May 5, 1862. Mexico fought the French imperial forces after England and Spain decided not to go to war against Mexico.

The Mexican troops, under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza, managed to defeat the French army.

The 4 main causes of the battle of Puebla

This was the original cause that caused an international conflict between Mexico and several European countries. England, Spain and France demanded the payment of a debt that amounted to 80 million pesos.

In case of not returning the money owed, the three countries would jointly invade Mexico to collect themselves what was theirs.

However, the political ability of several Mexican ministers restrained the warlike impulse of the Europeans.

England and Spain accepted the Mexican commitment to pay their debt in installments and shipped their troops, ready for attack, back to Europe.

2- French colonial interests

France was then a growing European power. Napoleon III ruled firmly and his military troops added victories. No defeat had been known since the famous Battle of Waterloo fifty years ago.

The possibility of adding Mexico to the list of territories under French control was very attractive. The American continent seemed at that time inaccessible even to a power like France.

Any possibility of adding a new country to the list of colonies scattered around the world was welcome.

France tried to take advantage of Mexico's internal weaknesses. The country had not yet recovered politically or economically from nearly half a century of civil wars and factional fighting.

3- French commercial expansion

Beyond the political control of a foreign country, what interested the European powers was to achieve a dominant position in the markets.

Mexico has always been a country rich in raw materials and primary resources to export. For this reason, taking control of it would give France the possibility of surpassing other European powers in the battle of international trade.

In this way they could establish prices and tariffs that would fill the coffers of the Empire.

4- The French colonies in the Antilles

France needed to guarantee the supply and subsistence of its Antillean colonies. Annexing Mexico gave them geographic proximity and the possibility of administering the area with a government delegate from Paris in Mexico City.

The French had already made it clear that even if Mexico agreed to pay its debt, they wanted to exercise future control over the country's economy.

References

1. Battle of Puebla, Mexican-French History on Encyclopedia Britannica, at britannica.com
2. "Cinco de Mayo and The Battle of Puebla" on ThoughtCo., At thoughtco.com
3. "Long live Cinco de Mayo !: The Battle of Puebla" on Warfare History Network, at warfarehistorynetwork.com
4. The Mexican Campaign: The First Battle of Puebla. BIBESCO Prince Georges, GUINARD P. at napoleon.org
5. French Intervention in Mexico and the American Civil War, 1862-1867 on Office of the Historian, Dpt. of State, US at history.state.gov