Mexico defeated the imperial power of France on the 5th of May, 1862, in the Battle of Puebla. Despite being outnumbered and less equipped, Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza successfully repelled the French army, which was considered the most powerful in Europe at the time. This victory was significant as it marked a major symbolic resistance against French imperialism during the French intervention in Mexico
. The French, under Napoleon III, had invaded Mexico and installed Maximilian of Austria as emperor in an attempt to establish a monarchy. The Battle of Puebla was a key moment where Mexican troops, composed largely of veterans and farmers, defeated the French forces trying to capture the city of Puebla. Although the French eventually occupied Mexico, their defeat on May 5th became a rallying point for Mexican nationalism and resistance against foreign domination
. Thus, the imperial power Mexico defeated on the 5th of May was the French Empire.
