Cinco de Mayo, Slavery and Mexico's Influence in America

The Mexican milestone has strong roots in the U.S.

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The Aftermath - However, that victory would be short lived. The French eventually regained power and installed Habsburg Archduke Maximilian as Emperor of Mexico. Just five years later, Maximilian was captured and executed by Mexican forces in 1867. Today, Cinco de Mayo is a popular celebration of Mexican heritage and culture. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
Ties to America - Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not the celebration of Mexico's independence (Sept. 16) and it is more widely celebrated in America than in its home country. Its prominence in the states is best linked to the wave of Mexican, South and Central American immigrants to California during a period known as the Gold Rush (1848–1855). (Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) 
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The Aftermath - However, that victory would be short lived. The French eventually regained power and installed Habsburg Archduke Maximilian as Emperor of Mexico. Just five years later, Maximilian was captured and executed by Mexican forces in 1867. Today, Cinco de Mayo is a popular celebration of Mexican heritage and culture. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

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