Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. It is often mistakenly thought to be Mexico's Independence Day, which is actually celebrated on September 16th. Cinco de Mayo is primarily a regional holiday in Mexico, celebrated in the state of Puebla, but has gained recognition in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture.

History

The Battle of Puebla took place on May 5, 1862, near the city of Puebla during the French intervention in Mexico. The Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, achieved an unlikely victory over the much larger and better-equipped French forces. While the victory was not a major strategic win in the overall war, it was a significant morale boost for the Mexican army and its supporters.

Celebrations

In Mexico, the day is commemorated with parades, reenactments of the battle, and other festive events. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, featuring parades, music, dance, and traditional Mexican food and drinks.

Study Guide

What event does Cinco de Mayo commemorate? The Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
Is Cinco de Mayo Mexico's Independence Day? No, Mexico's Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th.
Who led the Mexican army to victory at the Battle of Puebla? General Ignacio Zaragoza.
How is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in Mexico? With parades, reenactments of the battle, and other festive events.
How is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in the United States? With parades, music, dance, and traditional Mexican food and drinks.

◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Fifth Grade. Westward Expansion

The resources above cover the following skills:

National Standards for Civics and Government (NSCG)

What are the foundations of the American political system? What are the distinctive characteristics of American society?

Distinctive characteristics of American society. Students should be able to identify and explain the importance of historical experience and geographic, social, and economic factors that have helped to shape American society. To achieve this standard, students should be able to

Explain important factors that have helped shape American society

Effects of a frontier

National Center for History in Schools (NCHS)

Historical Thinking Standards

Historical Comprehension

Reconstruct the literal meaning of a historical passage.

United States History Content Standards

Era 4: Expansion and Reform (1801-1861)

United States territorial expansion between 1801 and 1861, and how it affected relations with external powers and Native Americans.

The student understands the international background and consequences of the Louisiana Purchase, the War of 1812, and the Monroe Doctrine.

The student understands the ideology of Manifest Destiny, the nation's expansion to the Northwest, and the Mexican-American War.

How the industrial revolution, increasing immigration, the rapid expansion of slavery, and the westward movement changed the lives of Americans and led toward regional tensions.

The student understands the settlement of the West.

Era 6: The Development of the Industrial United States (1870-1900)

How the rise of corporations, heavy industry, and mechanized farming transformed the American people.

The student understands how agriculture, mining, and ranching were transformed.