The Pastry War was a conflict between France and Mexico that emerged from grievances over unpaid debts and the treatment of French nationals in Mexico. One of the inciting incidents was the seizure of a French pastry shop in Tacubaya, owned by Monsieur Remontel. The unresolved dispute escalated tensions, and on April 16, 1838, French naval forces launched an invasion on Veracruz, a vital coastal city in Mexico. Under the command of Admiral Charles Baudin, the French ships bombarded the forts defending Veracruz, leading to a quick victory over the Mexican forces, who were underprepared and unable to counter the naval bombardment effectively.

The French occupation of Veracruz lasted for several months during which negotiations between France and Mexico failed to achieve a satisfactory resolution for either side. This conflict was not just a military engagement but also involved significant geopolitical considerations, as it underscored Mexico's precarious relationship with foreign powers and highlighted the vulnerabilities of the young Mexican republic. The capture of Veracruz allowed France to exert control over a crucial port and symbolized its imperial ambitions in Latin America. Eventually, the conflict ended with French withdrawal from Veracruz following a diplomatic agreement that addressed some of the issues without full resolution of the underlying grievances.

The Pastry War, marked by its relatively minor military engagements, revealed the fragility of Mexican sovereignty and drew attention to the North American nation’s challenges in managing foreign relations as it navigated its post-independence era.