The Pastry War
In the 1830s, a French pastry chef living in Mexico claimed Mexican officers looted his shop and ate his baked goods without paying. He demanded compensation, but the Mexican government shrugged it off. Outraged, France demanded 600,000 pesos (roughly 3 million modern dollars). When Mexico refused, France blockaded its ports and launched an invasion. All for croissants.
The war lasted a few months and ended only after the British stepped in to mediate. Though hostilities faded, the conflict proved that never — and we mean never — mess with the French over pastry. It may be flaky, but their pride isn’t.
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements