Relations between Mexico and France had been strained for some time, since Mexico had failed to repay millions of dollars worth of French loans. When a pastry cook called Remontel claimed that looting Mexican soldiers had damaged his shop, and the Mexicans refused to pay the damages demanded by Louis-Philippe, the French used this as a pretext to occupy the port of Vera Cruz. In response, Mexico now declares war on France.
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Citation: Editors, Litencyc. "Mexico declares war on France". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 30 December 2011 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=18029, accessed 09 June 2026.]
