Ignacio Zaragoza was a Mexican general best known for leading Mexican forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. In that battle, Mexico defeated a powerful French army, creating a major symbol of national pride.

Zaragoza’s victory did not end the French Intervention, but it became one of Mexico’s most famous military achievements. For citizenship learners, he is important because Cinco de Mayo commemorates this battle, not Mexican Independence Day.