The Mexican Resistance against French intervention during the 1860s is often overshadowed by the broader European conflicts of the time and the significant struggles within Mexico itself. However, the resistance found considerable strength and support from Indigenous fighters, whose participation played a critical role in shaping the outcome of this conflict. These Indigenous groups, often marginalized in society, emerged as pivotal players, motivated by a longstanding history of oppression, land dispossession and a desire for autonomy. Their contributions were not only crucial in the military campaigns against the French but also in symbolizing a deeper struggle for rights and recognition within the nation.

The backdrop to this conflict begins with France's ambitions under Emperor Napoleon III, who sought to establish a French empire in North America. Capitalizing on Mexico’s political instability, which had been exacerbated by years of conflict resulting from the Reform War and the Liberal and Conservative opposition, France sought to impose a monarchy under Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria. This incursion was met with widespread resistance from various factions within Mexico, including Liberal forces led by Benito Juárez, who championed a vision for a modern Mexican state.

Indigenous peoples in Mexico had suffered through centuries of colonial rule and systemic dispossession, suffering both cultural and economic ramifications. The Liberal reforms of the mid-19th century, which aimed to modernize the country, included measures that often targeted Indigenous landholdings and their traditional governance structures. These reforms alienated many Indigenous communities further, igniting a passionate response among them. Thus, when the French sought to impose a foreign monarchy, many Indigenous groups saw an opportunity to resist the dual threats of foreign intervention and ongoing internal oppression.

In regions rich in Indigenous populations, such as Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Puebla, local resistance was driven by a combination of military strategy and cultural identity. In Oaxaca, particularly, Indigenous peoples rallied around their traditions and community leadership structures, which had often been sidelined or deemed irrelevant by more “civilized” society. They formed militias that not only fought against French troops but also provided a focal point for community solidarity, offering a sense of agency in a period marked by chaos and uncertainty.

One of the most notable Indigenous leaders was Vicente Guerrero, a celebrated hero of Mexican independence, whose lineage tied him directly to Indigenous roots. Guerrero’s legacy inspired contemporary Indigenous fighters, and his fight for racial and social justice resonated deeply within their own struggles. Guerrero's efforts against colonial powers and his push for land reform set a precedent that mobilized Indigenous ideas of resistance and justice, ultimately framing the narrative that pointed toward the need for liberation not just from foreign powers but from inequitable social structures imposed by other Mexicans.

As resistance intensified, the Indigenous fighters found themselves expertly utilizing guerrilla tactics, which became a hallmark of the resistance against French forces. Relying on their intimate knowledge of the terrain, these groups executed strategic ambushes and surprise attacks, frustrating the attempts of the French military to establish control. This kind of warfare not only utilized the strengths of local Indigenous communities but also showcased their resilience and ingenuity against a vastly superior European army.

The role of women within Indigenous communities during this period of resistance also merits attention. Women participated not only as supporters but also as strategists and fighters. They engaged in logistical support, providing food, intelligence, and mobility to the male fighters. In some areas, women took up arms themselves, challenging traditional gender roles and showcasing their commitment to resisting foreign domination. This dual role helped to weave an identity of resistance that encompassed not just the struggle against the French, but also the wider fight against gender and racial inequalities.

Throughout the various campaigns, the Indigenous fighters demonstrated a synergy with Juárez's Liberal forces, albeit fraught with underlying tensions and mistrust. On the one hand, both groups shared a mutual enemy in the French, yet the historical grievances Indigenous peoples held against Mexican elites complicated this alliance. Indigenous communities had reasonable apprehensions regarding their future if the Liberal factions prevailed, especially given the Liberals' history of land reforms that often dispossessed traditional lands from Indigenous ownership.

Over time, some leaders from Indigenous communities acted as intermediaries, negotiating with Juárez's government to secure assurances that their rights and lands would be respected if the French were expelled. These negotiations were delicate, revealing the complex political landscape that Indigenous peoples had to navigate. They functioned both as fighters in an immediate military struggle while simultaneously engaging in long-term political advocacy to reshape their status within a post-French intervention Mexico.

The culmination of these processes unfolded as the larger conflict began to shift against the French. The Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, famously marked a significant defeat for the French army, heralding the resilience of Mexican forces, which included Indigenous fighters. This battle, celebrated as Cinco de Mayo in contemporary Mexico, became an emblem of national pride and unity, punctuated by the contributions of those marginalized communities that refused to see their country once again subjected to foreign rule.

As the French occupation waged on, the resistance continued to gain ground. Cities and towns across Mexico reported increased activity from Indigenous militias, further solidified by the narratives of bravery and fundamental rights championed by Juárez. Despite the challenges of coordination and communication that typically beleaguered efforts across various regions, the Indigenous fighters consistently displayed their tenacity in confronting French forces.

Ultimately, the exit of France from Mexico in 1867 marked a significant victory for the Mexican forces. However, the aftermath revealed the complexities of the victory, especially for the Indigenous communities who had fought so fiercely. While they had played an integral role, much of the post-war outcomes did not favor them, as the Liberal government, once again, turned toward policies that disregarded Indigenous land rights in favor of a more centralized and modern Mexican nation-state.

In retrospect, the contributions of Indigenous fighters in the Mexican Resistance against France underscore a pivotal yet frequently under-discussed chapter in Mexican history. Their legacy is one of resilience and complexity, a reminder of the intersection between national and Indigenous identities during moments of profound crisis. As modern Mexico reflects on its history, acknowledging the multifaceted roles of Indigenous peoples in conflicts such as this is crucial in understanding the ongoing struggles over land, rights, and representation that continue to resonate today.

This historical narrative serves not only to honor those who fought for justice and autonomy but also to inspire contemporary movements seeking recognition and reparations for past injustices. The role of Indigenous fighters during the French intervention mirrors their ongoing fight for equality and justice in modern Mexican society, symbolizing a continuum of resistance against systemic oppression that transcends time and struggles. Their stories have become intertwined with the very identity of Mexico, illustrating that the fight for rights and representation endures, adapting to new contexts while continuing to draw strength from its history.