Video: Mexico's Nobodies: The Cultural Legacy of the Soldadera & Afro-Mexican Women
Author Christine Arce explores the legacy of Mexico's female soldiers and their almost forgotten contributions to the Revolution.
The Mexican Revolution lasted ten long years between 1910 and 1920. The fighting took place from town to town, often dragging whole families into the conflict. It’s not surprising, then, that women played a pivotal role in the revolution and even served as soldiers and officers. From camp followers to military leaders, commanding both male and female soldiers, Mexico’s “soldaderas” or “Adelitas” were a crucial part of Mexican independence.
Not all soldaderas participated in the war willingly; women were sometimes forcefully drafted or kidnapped by revolutionary armies. But many women also chose to fight with or assist their male family members in the war. Some even rose to the rank of “coronela,” an informal military officer. Besides taking part in combat, soldaderas kept the revolutionary army functional by performing the domestic tasks they were used to doing at home. Their lives are a key part of Mexican history, but the contributions of specific women have often been overlooked by historians.
In this lecture provided by the Library of Congress, author Christine Arce explores the legacy of the soldaderas, with a particular emphasis on Afro-Mexican women’s participation in the Revolution. She also explores the recent efforts by historians to not only understand this facet of Mexican history, but to attach real names, dates, and biographies to the women involved.
About TOTA
TOTA.world provides cultural information and sharing across the world to help you explore your Family’s Cultural History and create deep connections with the lives and cultures of your ancestors.
