Changes

The events leading to the battle at Puebla in 1862:

The events leading to the battle at Puebla in 1862:

[[Mexico]] declared it's independence from [[Spain]] in 1821. Many years of war followed, including the [[Mexican-American War]] from 1846-1848, and the [[Mexican Civil War]] in 1858. These years of war devastated the economy and Mexico incurred substantial debts to [[Spain]], [[England]] and [[France]]. As terms of the [[Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo]] after the Mexican-American War, Mexico owed no debt to the United States. The Mexican Congress, faced with a Treasury that was almost depleted, decided to suspend repayment of international debt for two years. In 1862, when Mexico was unable to meet it's financial obligation to France, the country moved to occupy Mexico, and announced it's intent to impose a [[monarchy]] and appoint [[Archduke Maximilian of Austria]] as the ruler of Mexico. The President of Mexico, [[Benito Juarez]], who took office in 1858, and was re-elected in 1861, was understandably resistant to this plan.  

[[Mexico]] declared it's independence from [[Spain]] in 1821. Many years of war followed, including the [[Mexican-American War]] from 1846-1848, and the [[Mexican Civil War]] in 1858. These years of war devastated the economy and Mexico incurred substantial debts to [[Spain]], [[England]] and [[France]]. As terms of the [[Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo]] after the Mexican-American War, Mexico owed no debt to the [[United States]]. The Mexican Congress, faced with a Treasury that was almost depleted, decided to suspend repayment of international debt for two years. In 1862, when Mexico was unable to meet it's financial obligation to France, the country moved to occupy Mexico, and announced it's intent to impose a [[monarchy]] and appoint [[Archduke Maximilian of Austria]] as the ruler of Mexico. The President of Mexico, [[Benito Juarez]], who took office in 1858, and was re-elected in 1861, was understandably resistant to this plan.  

Mexico sought help from the United States, but the country was at  

Mexico sought help from the United States, but the country was at  

A year later, the French again moved to occupy Mexico, and this time  

A year later, the French again moved to occupy Mexico, and this time  

were successful in defeating the Mexican army. By 1864 France had  

were successful in defeating the Mexican army. By 1864 France had  

taken control of [[Mexico City]] and had appointed Maximilian as the ruler of Mexico. He ruled until 1867, when the United States provided military assistance to Mexico, enabling them to regain control of their country. Maximilian was deposed by and after a military trial was executed on June 19, 1867.  

taken control of [[Mexico City]] and had appointed Maximilian as the ruler of Mexico. He ruled until 1867, when the United States provided military assistance to Mexico, enabling them to regain control of their country. Maximilian was deposed by and after a military trial was executed on June 19, 1867.

== Celebrations ==

== Celebrations ==