Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez
Doña Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, Mexican patriot and hero of the Mexican War of Independence, made a name for herself in history for her bravery when she risked her own life to alert rebel insurgents to the discovery of the Querétaro Conspiracy for Independence .
Known as «the mother of Mexico’s nationality» and one of the few elite women who actively supported Mexico’s independence from Spain between 1810 and 1821.
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Also known by the nickname «La Corregidora de Querétaro».
María Josefa Ortíz Girón was born in 1768 (some historians cite 1775), either in Valladolid or in Mexico City.
He was born in Valladolid -what is today Morelia– in 1768 and grew up in Mexico City. Her parents died when she was little and her older sister, Maria Sotero, received custody.
María enrolled her sister in the Colegio de las Vizcaínas, a very prestigious school to which she was accepted because she was criolla, criolla, that is, children of Spaniards born in New Spain.
He died at his home in Mexico City on May 3, 1829; daughter of Captain Juan José Ortíz and Manuela Giron.
Probably homeschooled by an older sister and other relatives; he could read and write fluently when he entered the prestigious school and asylum for women, the Biscayne College in Mexico City on May 30, 1789.
the wedding
While she was still a university student, she met Miguel Domínguez, a widower who used to visit the school. They fell in love and secretly married in 1791; they had 14 children
As secretary of the Royal Court, Miguel Domínguez was appointed magistrate of Querétaro in 1802where the family settled. They quickly gained the sympathy of the Queretaro society of the time, joining various social groups.
It is well known that Doña Josefa was vehemently against the abuses that the Spaniards, that is, the Spaniards born in Europe, exerted on the natives who considered them as second-class citizens.
She always identified with the social problems of the native, since they were relegated to secondary positions in the public administration, as well as in the army.
The exclamation of independence
Thanks to her, the father Miguel Hidalgo advanced the date that the independence movement would begin to the early hours of the September 16, 1810. Without his timely warning, the fight for independence would have been exposed and the efforts of the conspirators would never have achieved their ultimate goal: the independence of Mexico from the Spanish crown.
There were many conspiracies but most were aborted and the one that was finally successful was that of Querétaro.
The beginning of the revolution was planned for December 8, 1810; however, on September 13, the conspirators were betrayed.
As Corregidor of Querétaro, Miguel Domínguez was asked to conduct a house search in the city to capture the rebel leaders.
Aware of his wife’s loyalty, he imprisoned Josefa in her room to prevent her from exchanging information with her fellow conspirators.
Josefa had anticipated this, and had arranged a signal to alert his fellow conspirators that they had been betrayed.
He summoned one of the conspirators, who was able to warn the others that arrest warrants had been issued for them.
Therefore, it was decided to start the revolution immediately, and the famous «Pain screamrang out in the town square. This was the beginning of the peasant and criollo rebellion, and it was Josefa who gave the signal. Both she and her husband were eventually jailed for their roles in the revolution.
jail and death
«La Corregidora» was arrested, guilty of treason, for which she was sent to Mexico City, to the Convent of Santa Teresa. There he remained until 1817when Viceroy Juan Ruiz de Apodaca released her.
In the last years of her life, Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez was associated with radical liberal groups.
At all times he refused to receive any reward for the invaluable support he had given to the achievement of Independence: in his opinion, he had only done his duty as a good patriot.
data summary
Josefa’s full name?
Mary of the Nativity Josefa Ortiz Girón
Where was Josefa born?
He was born in Valladolid, now Morelia, Mexico, on September 8, 1768.
Where I study?
He studied at the Colegio de las Vizcaínas in Mexico City.
Parents?
Juan Jose Ortiz and Maria Manuela Giron.
With whom he got married Josef Ortiz?
With Miguel Domínguez, in 1793
When did Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez die?
He died on March 2, 1829, at the age of 61.
Who was the Corregidora?
María de la Natividad Josefa Ortiz Girón is better known as Doña Josefa Ortiz d
Phrase by Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez:
«so many soldiers to guard a poor woman, but with my blood I will form a patrimony for my children»
Additional curiosities of Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez?
She was orphaned at a very young age. It is said that she was Miguel Hidalgo’s lover. The letter she sent to the priest Miguel Hidalgo e Ignacio Allendehe made it with printed letters taken from the newspaper so that they will not be able to identify his handwriting. Agustin de Iturbide proclaimed himself Emperor of Mexico, he offered the title of Lady of Honor to Doña Josefa. Which she herself rejected. Her remains were buried in the convent of Santa Catalina and later they were transferred to Querétaro. She worked in the Secretary of the Royal Treasury and in the office of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. Throughout her life, she tried to get recognized the rights of the indigenous people. Ignacio Allende was a suitor to one of Josefa’s daughters. The Querétaro congress named her a Benemérita del Estado. She was one of the participants in the clandestine movement known as the Querétaro Conspiracy. Freemasons and radical liberals. Mexico put into circulation a $5 bill with the portrait of Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez in 1971. He died in Mexico City on March 2, 1829, at the age of 61.
Additional Information:
Miguel Hidalgo Short Biography
Guadalupe Victoria Short Biography – First President
The Plan of San Luis de Potosí 1910 – Document for tasks
Jaime Nunó Roca Short Biography – National Anthem
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