Women of the Mexican Revolution: Soldaderas
Imagine my surprise when, 15 years after my AP World History class, I stumbled upon an article about the Mexican Civil War buried in one of my many open browser tabs. Not only did this piece shed light on a topic I'd barely scratched the surface of in school, but it highlighted a crucial aspect that had been entirely omitted from my education: the role of women in the Mexican Revolution.
As I delved into this side quest of historical exploration, I found myself both inspired and enraged. The story of these women, who essentially upheld the decades-long war effort single-handedly, resonated deeply with me. It was a narrative of defiance against misogyny and a reclaiming of power in seemingly helpless circumstances.
The Mexican Civil War, or revolution as it's also known, was a complex tapestry of political upheaval and social injustice. At its core was a struggle over wealth distribution, with a stark divide between the rich elites benefiting from foreign investment and the indigenous and marginalized communities left to languish in poverty.
The inciting incident came when these elites began seizing ancestral lands from indigenous farming communities, pushing them into servitude and destitution. As protests erupted and Diaz's regime responded with brutal repression, the stage was set for revolution.
On November 20th, 1910, the revolutionaries took up arms, igniting a conflict that would consume the nation. But while the movies might glamorize the battles and heroic deeds of men on horseback, they overlook the vital behind-the-scenes work that sustained these armies.
Enter the Soldaderas, women who became synonymous with soldiering during this era. They were not just wives, mothers, or sisters; they were the backbone of the rebel armies, undertaking tasks essential for survival. From sourcing food in the desert to tending to the wounded, they kept the wheels of war turning.
And they did all this while often pregnant or with children in tow, defying societal norms that relegated them to mere property. In a society where women weren't even considered citizens, joining the revolution offered them a chance to earn their own money and assert a modicum of autonomy.
These women may not have been allowed to fight politically, but their acts of defiance built momentum, like dandelions breaking through concrete. In a time of war, necessity created a unique bubble of feminism, challenging gender norms and reshaping history.
So, while my education may have failed to acknowledge their existence, I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn about these unsung heroes who fought alongside, and sometimes even commanded, the men on the front lines.
