Cinco de Mayo, the Confederacy, and Gen. Jo Shelby

*Fascinating. The battle of Puebla was decisive not only for Mexican history, but in the history of the U.S. Civil war as well. The Confederacy had tactical interest in aiding the French in Mexico. The streams of U.S.-Mexico connections run very deep. Hat tip to our friends at Latino Rebels for pointing to this article in one of their posts. VL

By Norman Gasbarro, Civil War Blog

The significance of the Battle of Puebla cannot be underestimated.  Many historians believe that the French goal was broader than establishing influence in Mexico.  Clearly, the French favored the Confederacy and by the Mexicans defeating the French at Puebla, direct aid to the Southern cause had to be postponed for a least a year – enough time for the Union army to strengthen and repel the rebels at Gettysburg.  By 1864, when the French finally were able to get control of Mexico, it was almost too late to use Mexico as a base to supply the Confederate army.  Thus, the Mexican victory at Puebla helped influence the outcome of the American Civil War.  At the conclusion of the American Civil War, the United States then supported the Mexicans in their efforts to repel the French.

Click HERE to read the full story.