First French Intervention

BelligerentsFranceMexicoCommanders and leadersCharles BaudinSanta Anna (WIA)Strength 4,00026 ships 3,2291 fortCasualties and losses 121 killed or wounded 224 killed or wounded1 fort capturedThe Pastry War began in November 1838 when French naval forces blockaded ports in Mexico, and captured San Juan de Ulúa in Veracruz. This was in response to allegations of mistreatment of French nationals in Mexico, including a pastry chef after whom the war was named, and ended in March 1839 with a British-brokered peace. A Second French intervention in Mexico followed in the 1860s. BackgroundDuring the early years of the new Mexican republic, there was widespread civil disorder as factions competed for control of the country. The fighting often resulted in the destruction or looting of private property. Average citizens had few options for claiming compensation as they had no representatives to speak on their behalf. Foreigners whose property was damaged or destroyed by rioters or bandits were usually also unable to obtain compensation from the Mexican government and they began to appeal to their own governments for help and compensation. Commercial relationships between France and Mexico exi