What army fought against the Mexican army in the battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862?

The army that fought against the Mexican army in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, was the French army. This battle was a significant event in Mexican history as it marked a surprising victory for the Mexican forces over the better-equipped French army. The context of the battle revolves around French intervention in Mexico, where Napoleon III aimed to establish a French empire under Maximilian I. The triumph at Puebla became a symbol of Mexican resistance against foreign domination and is celebrated annually as Cinco de Mayo. The involvement of other nations, such as the British, Spanish, and Americans, did not pertain to this specific conflict, which centers exclusively around the clash between Mexican forces and the French military.