spanishproject

Answer these questions:

1. Who were the following people? - Benito Juarez- a Zapotec Amerindian; served 5 terms as president of Mexico - Porfirio Diaz- a Mexican politician; later president of Mexico from 1876-1880 - Ignacio Zaragoza- general in Mexican army - Napoleon III- first president of French Republic; first emperor of Second French empire - Maximilian- member of Austria’s Imperial - The Marquis de Radepont- French officer and Diplomat for the French Emperor 2. What is the biggest misconception about Cinco de Mayo? People think that it is Mexico’s Independence Day.

3. What caused the conflict that led to the Battle of Puebla? British, French, and Spanish forces arrived in Mexico with the goal of recovering loans made to the Mexican government

4. Explain what happened at the Battle of Puebla..

5. How long did the conflict last and in what year did it end?

6. What was the end result of the conflict? The Mexican Army go the victory against the French

II. Using the information you gathered, summarize the significance of Cinco de Mayo in Mexican culture. I want dates, important people, and significant events (7-10 sentences).

III. Think and Answer: If a foreign country was invading your city, and the president called upon you to fight for your country (like the Mexican peasants), would you fight? Why or why not? I probably wouldn’t fight, because I am totally against war. I think that there are always other ways to handle situations like these. I don’t agree with war, so I wouldn’t support it.

IV. Choose one and write: The response must be one page typed, double spaced, and IN ENGLISH!

1. You are a Mexican peasant. The president has called upon you to gather weapons and fight for your town. Write a letter to your family who lives in another “pueblo”. Talk about your thoughts on the issue, any internal conflict with the matter, and why you have chosen to fight. Make sure to say any last goodbyes just in case.

Dear Family, It’s me, Rachel Casciotti. I have been chosen to fight in the Battle of Puebla because of my cat like reflexes. I may not agree with the whole war thing. Since the country needs me to help protect my loved ones I will go even though I don’t want too. I suppose I will say my last goodbyes, incase you know… I don’t survive. Cousin Leah, stay strong little one. Know that I always love you, and never forget me okay? You’re a beautiful, smart, funny little girl. Don’t let anyone ever take advantage of that. Cousin Vincent, I will miss you dearly. Your smile always brings a smile to my face, and I’ll never forget your loving hugs. Know that I love you and be brave through everything that goes on in the future. Cousin Allison, keep on learning. You have so much potential; don’t give up on your studies. Your one of the smartest people I know, and I will miss you so much. I love you. Aunt Joan, thank you so much. You were always there for me when I need someone to talk too. You make everything seem like I’m right, and everyone else isn’t. You always made me feel special. I love you. Uncle Ed, I’ll miss our conversations. We always had long, deep, interesting conversations. I have so much to learn from you. You kept me on the edge of my seat with every story. I love you! Now, the only reason I am going to fight is because I know if I don’t than they may call on one of you, or the enemies will get to you. I don’t want any of you to be hurt, so I chose to go. The French want everything they loaned to us. I don’t know if we did or not, but that’s what they’re after. Our government isn’t ready to give in, and that’s why we’re fighting. The French Forces are coming on strong, so I don’t have much time to write. I’m sorry this is so short. Good luck with everything in life, and I hope too see you all again sometime in the future. I love you all, and send my love to the rest of the family. Much love, Rachel Casciotti