French intervention in Mexico: Encyclopedia II - French intervention in Mexico - 1863: French take the capital

French intervention in Mexico - 1863: French take the capital

The French bombarded Acapulco on 15 January 1863. Then, on 16 March, General Forey and the French army begins the siege of Puebla.

On 30 April, the French Foreign Legion earned its legendary status when the small infantry patrol unit led by Capitaine Danjou numbering 62 soldiers and three officers was attacked and besieged by Mexican infantry and cavalry units numbering three battalions, and was forced to make a defense in Hacienda Camarón. Danjou was mortally wounded in the defense of the hacienda, and the last of his men mounted a desperate bayonet attack. They fought to nearly the last man, with three survivors. 'Camerone Day' is a day of celebration for Legionnaires in years afterwards.

The French army of General Bazaine defeated the Mexican army led by General Comonfort in their attempt to relieve the siege of Puebla, at San Lorenzo, to the south of Puebla. Puebla surrendered to the French shortly afterward, on 17 May. On 31 May, President Juárez with his cabinet fled the city, retreating northwards to El Paso del Norte, and taking the treasure of the state with them.

French troops under Bazaine entered Mexico City on 7 June 1863. The main army enters the city three days later led by General Forey. General Almonte is appointed the provisional President of Mexico on 16 June, by the Superior Junta (which had been appointed by Forey) The Superior Junta with its 35 members meets on 21 June, and proclaims a Catholic Empire on 10 July. The crown was offered to Maximilian, due to Napoleon's efforts. Maximilian accepted the crown on 3 October, at his castle Miramar near Trieste, having being offered it by the Comisión Mexicana, sent by the Superior Junta.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "1863: French take the capital", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki