Puebla - 5 May 1862
Historical Background
Puebla was a key battle in the ongoing war between French-based imperialists of the Hapsburg-based emperor, the inefficient Maximilian, and his Republican, native opposition led by the Mexican hero Benito Juarez.
During a declaration of peace where each sides’ wounded were allowed to recuperate where they were located, the slow-witted Gen. Lorencez misinterpreted news about the welfare of these French soldiers and used this as an excuse to capture the key city of Puebla.
The Gen. Lorencez unwisely decided to attack the city from the fortified north, instead of from the weakly defended east. The Mexican troops led by Maj. Gen. Zaragoza were better deployed, better led and were mostly veterans of the Reform War of 1860.
Though slightly outnumbered by the Mexicans, the French launched repeated assaults on the Forts Guadalupe and Loreto. The Mexicans valorously repulsed a near successful attack on Fort Guadalupe and, with determined counter-attacks, beat the French by mid-afternoon.
The Mexican people celebrate this surprising victory with the national holiday called Cinco de Mayo.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. Can you change history?
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Set-Up Order
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Battle Notes
Mexican Army
• Commander: Major Gen. Don Ignacio Zaragoza
• 4 Command Cards
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| 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
French Army
• Commander: Gen. Charles Ferdinand Latrille, Comte de Lorencez
• 5 Command Cards
• Move First 
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| 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
Victory
5 Banners
Special Rules
• The entire stream is fordable.
• Control of the central hex in the City of Puebla grants the French 1 Victory Banner.