Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla delayed France’s capture of Mexico City by about one year.
On May 5, 1862, Mexican forces defeated a French expeditionary army outside Puebla. The victory stopped the French advance toward the capital and became the historical event commemorated by Cinco de Mayo.
The delay was temporary rather than a complete end to the intervention. France sent additional troops, resumed its campaign, and captured Mexico City in May 1863—roughly twelve months after the Puebla victory.
French forces then helped establish the Second Mexican Empire under Maximilian, but Mexican republican resistance continued. The French eventually withdrew, and Maximilian was captured and executed in 1867.