When talking about the Mexico's independence warthe figures mentioned are Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, José María Morelos y Pavón, Vicente Guerrero, Ignacio Allende and sometimes – very few, it should be noted – Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez. Women who fought in that war are normally forgotten And although Leona Vicario, «La Güera» Rodríguez and Gertrudis Bocanegra resonate from time to time, other women from different social classes and ethnic groups also participate who are not normally given credit and have been forgotten throughout history.
In AD we decided to remember their work, their effort and above all, celebrate their heroism being women in a Mexico (or New Spain) in which misogyny and machismo predominated.
Josefa Ortíz de Domínguez
Without a doubt, the most recognized woman for her fight in the independence of Mexico. Ortíz de Domínguez participated in Querétaro's conspiracy and was a key piece for the start of the fight headed by Miguel Hidalgo in Dolores in Guanajuato. Because she was the wife of Querétaro's corregidor, Miguel Domínguez, It is known as the corregidora.
Josefa, who was Creole of Spanish descent born in Mexico, It was one of the main participants of Querétaro's conspiracywhose plan was for the rebels to rise in arms on October 1, 1810. Despite several factors that hindered the process, Josefa played an extremely important role in the fight, But she was not the only woman to help.
«La Güera» Rodríguez
María Ignacia Rodríguez de Velasco, better known as La Güera Rodríguez, was a Creole of high society that He had liberal ideas and attended clandestine political meetings with Miguel Hidalgo and Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez To plan the independence movement. In addition, he had access to privileged political information because his father was a governor of Mexico City and his relationship with other power characters, which made it an important piece for movement.
Mariana Rodríguez del Toro
Also of liberal ideology, Mariana Rodríguez del Toro conspired against the viceregal government. Rodríguez del Toro was one of those in charge of starting a new attack against the viceroy and although the conspiracy was discovered and threatened, He did not betray any member of the group.
Vicar Leone
Another strongly recognized name of the time is Leona Vicario who was one of the first women Mexican journalists. During the War of Independence, Vicar was dedicated to informing the insurgents of all the movements that could interest them. From Mexico City she told them about what was happening there and also helped them by providing them with some goods. He was also part of the hosts of General José María Morelos y Pavón.
María Luisa Martínez de García Rojas
This woman helped insurgents in Michoacán, providing information, food and resources. After being arrested and imprisoned three times, it was shot in 1817. However; It is remembered as an important figure for the War of Independence.
Market Altragracia
Also known as «Huichapan's heroine», originally from the state of Hidalgo, was a military who financed the formation of a battalion that she directed And he managed to overcome the realistic army on several occasions, until his regiment was defeated during a fight on October 24, 1819.
Manuela Medina
This Taxco indigenous, warrior called «La Capitana», He traveled more than one hundred leagues to meet Morelos, formed a battalion and fought next to an army. He also defended his ideas of freedom and woke up in the people the awareness of breaking with submission.
«The Guadalupes»
In this group, in addition to men, women who fought for the independence of New Spain participated. Leona Vicario and Mariana Rodríguez, among others, were members of the Guadalupeswhich remained alive from 1908 to 1821, and finally triumphed in the independence movement.
In addition to all these strong women, There were hundreds who accompanied their relatives in the struggle of independence and supported transmitting errands, playing an indispensable role in the War of Independence of Mexico.