The Battle of Puebla (1862): Mexican Army vs. French Army—Not Mexican vs. Mexican

The Battle of Puebla (May 5, 1862) was fought between:

• Mexican Army — commanded by General Ignacio Zaragoza (~4,500 troops, many irregulars).
• French Army — commanded by General Charles de Lorencez (~6,000 professional soldiers).

Not a conflict between two Mexican factions.

Context

• France (Napoleon III) invaded to collect debts and install a monarchy (Maximilian I).
• Puebla delayed French advance on Mexico City by a year.
• Cinco de Mayo commemorates this victory—mostly celebrated in Puebla region and US, not nationwide in Mexico (Independence Day = Sep 16).

Mexican Civil Conflicts (For Contrast)

• Reform War (1857–61): Liberals (Juárez) vs. Conservatives (Zuloaga) — before French intervention.
• Mexican Revolution (1910–20): Multiple factions (Madero, Villa, Zapata, Carranza, Obregón).