Which French commander led the attack at the Battle of Puebla?

Charles de Lorencez led the French attack at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

Lorencez commanded the French expeditionary force that advanced inland after France joined Britain and Spain in pressuring Mexico over suspended debt payments. He believed his troops could quickly defeat the Mexican defenders and move toward Mexico City. Instead, the assault on Puebla’s fortified heights failed.

After the defeat, Lorencez was replaced by Élie-Frédéric Forey. French forces later returned with a larger army and captured Puebla in 1863. The first battle’s outcome was therefore a setback rather than the end of the intervention. Charles de Lorencez is remembered primarily for commanding the French side in the battle that inspired Cinco de Mayo.