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Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821 and a number of internal takeovers and wars ruined the nation's economy. During this time Mexico built up great debts to nations who were ordering them to pay up. One of the nations Mexico was indebted to, France wanted to add to their empire and used Mexico's debt issue to institute its own leadership in Mexico. France appointed Archduke Maximilian, Napoleon's relative, as ruler of Mexico.
France invaded the Gulf of Mexico and began to advance toward Mexico City. The French army and the small, poorly armed, Mexican militia fought at the forts Loreto and Guadalupe. The 4,500 Mexicans were able to overpower the 6,500 French soldiers and won the battle. The victory was and still is a magnificent and celebrated moment in Mexican history.