Cinco de Mayo. Entry of the French army into Mexico in 1863.
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In 1863, the French army, under Emperor Napoleon III, intensified its intervention in Mexico. After capturing Puebla in May, French forces marched into Mexico City in June, establishing control over the capital. This military success was part of France's broader plan to install a monarchy in Mexico, taking advantage of internal political instability and the U.S. Civil War. The French army supported conservative Mexican factions and helped place Austrian Archduke Maximilian on the throne as Emperor of Mexico. Despite initial victories, the occupation faced strong resistance from Mexican republicans led by President Benito Juárez.
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