Cinco De Mayo and the Causes of French-Mexican War

Battle of Puebla

The United States celebrates Cinco de Mayo more than the Mexicans. The origins of the event, however, marked a victory of rag-tag Mexican army against a more powerful, well trained and well-armed French army on May 5, 1862. It became known as celebration for the victory of the oppressed against the oppressors. However, as time went by, the celebration died down in Mexico, nevertheless, its memory remained in many Mexicans, especially those who immigrated to the United States where it turned to a celebration one own culture.

The Industrial Revolution of Belgium

John Cockerill

The industrial revolution changed the world. It caused a shift from people relying on farming in the countryside to working in factories in cities. Britain started the revolution with the introduction of new technology and techniques. But in the late 18th century, the revolution reached continental Europe, arriving first to the small country of Belgium.

The Treaty of Tordesillas: Guide of the Age of Exploration and towards the Modern World

Portuguese copy of the Treaty of Tordesillas

The Age of Exploration in the 15th century and next opened new lands for Europe to discover and exploit. It became a new chapter in world history. At the start of this age two powers – Spain and Portugal - emerged and competed with each other. With the discovery of the New World, the Iberian Peninsula became engulf with tension for a potential conflict over discoveries and colonies not just in the Americas but around the world. The tension only ceased with the signing of the Treaty of Tordesillas.

The Fall of Cambodia to France

King Norodom

Cambodia lays in the center of the mainland Southeast Asia. In the past, it hosted once the powerful Khmer Empire. But in the 19th century, Cambodia became only a shadow of the glory days of the Khmer Empire. More powerful neighboring countries battled for supremacy and influence over Cambodia. But the most formidable appeared as the most farthest yet the most powerful country to dominate Cambodia – France. France’s imperial ambition in east led to its conquest of Cambodia.

William Wrigley, Jr.: Gum Magnate and Advertising Genius

William Wrigley, Jr.

William Wrigley, Jr. (September 30, 1861 – January 26, 1932) owned the biggest gum manufacturing company in the world – Wrigley’s Chewing Gum. From an energetic but a mischievous kid, Wrigley started as a labor and rose to become a salesman. His experience as a sales gave him the skills needed to advertise a product. With one his gimmicks he discovered a candy that gave him millions – chewing gum. He then establish himself a major player in the industry, took risk, and became number one. He then used his wealth to various investment and interest. Upon his demise, he left a huge wealth and a prospering company to his son.

The Pastry War: The War for Redemption

Bombing of San Juan de Ulua

Mexico had a rough 19th century. It became independent from Spain during the early half of the 1800’s. But after declaring independence, it had a tumultuous internal politics filled with infighting, ambitious men, and imperialist threats. By 1830’s Mexico suffered a horrendous situation, including loss of territories and economic crisis. Eventually, it led to Mexico’s first taste of a gunboat diplomacy of a European imperialist on the conflict known as Pastry War.

The Cochinchina Campaign

Capture of Saigon

Indochina, composed of modern day Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, became the center of French imperialism in the Far East. For more than half a century, they subjugated the local people for economic benefits. The conquest that led eventually to the creation of the French Indochina began in the middle of the 19th century. The French first displayed their might through the conclusion of the issue concerning a missionary and the bombardment of the major port city of Touraneor modern day Da Nang in 1847. A decade later, they launch a campaign in southern Vietnam, then known as Cochinchina, that sowed the seeds of the French in Vietnam, leading the path towards the formation of the French Indochina.