Member-only story
The War Caused By A Vandalized Pastry Shop
France and Mexico squared off in the 19th century over unpaid debts, highlighted by a shopkeeper infuriated about his damaged business
Wars typically have broken out throughout history due to disputes over boundaries and politics. However, there are other petty reasons that have caused armed conflict. One of the most unusual was in the 19th century when political rivalries and a vandalized pastry shop led to a five-month military action involving France and Mexico in what became known as The Pastry War.
This bizarre conflict traces back to a political struggle within Mexico during the early 19th century. Mexican president, Manuel Gomez Pedraza, and his rival, Lorenzo de Zavala, the Mayor of the state of Mexico, found themselves locked in a struggle for power. After the president attempted and failed to remove Zavala from his position, a rebellion ensued in 1828. During the chaos, a number of businesses, including a pastry shop owned by a Frenchman named Remontel on the outskirts of Mexico City, were looted by soldiers.
His business ruined, the infuriated Remontel sought compensation from the Mexican government, but was met with stony silence. It may have had something to do with the fact that although his shop was valued at around…
