<P> Lorencez was led to believe that the people of Puebla were friendly to the French, and that the Mexican Republican garrison which kept the people in line would be overrun by the population once he made a show of force . This would prove to be a serious miscalculation on Lorencez's part . On 5 May 1862, against all advice, Lorencez decided to attack Puebla from the north . However, he started his attack a little too late in the day, using his artillery just before noon and by noon advancing his infantry . By the third attack the French required the full engagement of all their reserves . The French artillery had run out of ammunition, so the third infantry attack went unsupported . The Mexican forces and the Republican garrison both put up a stout defense and even took to the field to defend the positions between the hilltop forts . </P> <P> As the French retreated from their final assault, Zaragoza had his cavalry attack them from the right and left while troops concealed along the road pivoted out to flank them . By 3 p.m. the daily rains had started, making a slippery slope of the battlefield . Lorencez withdrew to distant positions, counting 462 of his men killed against only 83 of the Mexicans . He waited a couple of days for Zaragoza to attack again, but Zaragoza held his ground . Lorencez then completely withdrew to Orizaba . </P> <P> The Battle of Puebla was an inspirational event for wartime Mexico, and it provided a stunning revelation to the rest of the world which had largely expected a rapid victory for French arms . </P> <P> Slowed by their loss at Puebla, the French forces retreated and regrouped, and the invasion continued after Napoleon III determinedly sent additional troops to Mexico . The French were eventually victorious, winning the Second Battle of Puebla on 17 May 1863 and pushing on to Mexico City . When the capital fell, Juárez's government was forced into exile in the remote north . </P>

Who was expected to win the battle of puebla