Independence Day celebrations are the perfect occasion to have a great time, but have you ever wondered why we celebrate this date with such enthusiasm?
Across the country, in schools and in our homes, we celebrate this day not only to remember the bravery of the independence heroes who fought to achieve freedom for Mexico, but also to applaud their dedication to education and knowledge that led them to make history.
Below, we will learn a little more about the biographies of some of the heroes of Independence and why education was vital to their struggle.
Why is Mexico’s Independence celebrated on September 16?
Celebrating Mexico’s Independence during this date is a symbolic act, because, behind this event, there was a whole political movement to remove the power of the Spanish crown about New Spain, in which various characters were involved that we recognize today in the history of the country.
On the morning of September 16, 1810, what is known as the Cry of Independence, when one of the leaders of the movement, the priest Miguel Hidalgo, called on the people from the top of a church to rise up in arms against Spanish power, thus beginning the war for independence.
Characters of the Independence of Mexico and its formation
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
This independence figure is known as the “Father of the Country” since, as mentioned above, he was the one who called for arms, thus initiating the outbreak of a revolution that, years later, would end up laying the foundations of the Mexican State, as it is known today.
The priest Miguel Hidalgo received a religious education appropriate to his time, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in theology from the University of Mexico. In addition, this character had knowledge of the positions of humanism and the Enlightenment, and mastered several languages such as Latin and French.
It is also worth noting that his knowledge was enough to enable him to teach philosophy at the College of San Nicolás.
Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon
This military leader received an institutional education until early adulthood, entering the College of San Nicolás in 1790 to study philosophy and grammar. Five years later he took an examination for a bachelor of arts from the Royal and Pontifical University.
After his religious education, he served as an auxiliary priest and also as a professor. During the war of independence, Morelos y Pavón fought for the seizure of territories as part of a political strategy to gain an advantage over the Spanish military.
Josefa Ortiz Dominguez
Also known as the Corregidora of Querétaro, Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez obtained her education at the Colegio de San Ignacio de Loyola Vizcaínas, where she learned mathematics, reading and writing, which for her time represented a great advantage, because the majority of the population was illiterate.
She is described as a woman of remarkable intelligence and her role in the independence movement was decisive, as she convened the Querétaro Conspiracy in her house, disguising it as “literary gatherings.” Furthermore, once the conspiracy was discovered, she was the one who informed the priest Miguel Hidalgo about it.
It should be noted that within this story, Querétaro had great relevance, since it was the place where the struggle for independence beganand which to this day continues to safeguard part of the past in its cultural heritage, so it is clear that it is an ideal state that you can consider to study a career and leave your mark like Josefa.
Currently the figure of The Corregidora It is synonymous with the fight for freedom, because of the enlightened thought that he promulgated during part of his life, which would give him the conviction to fight against the injustices of the Spanish Crown.
Likewise, Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez is an emblem for women who have sought to make their way in the education in Mexico.
Leona Vicar
Being the daughter of a Spaniard and a Creole, Leona Vicar He grew up with the opportunity to obtain an outstanding education. He was trained in Fine Arts and Sciences, and later became a journalist, publishing in media such as El Ilustrador Americano and El Semanario Patriótico Americano. He stood out for having a great critical sense.
His contribution to the independence revolution was valuable, as he was responsible for keeping the members of the movement informed about what was happening in the capital.
Being one of the first Mexican journalists, Leona Vicario became a symbol of equality and fights for the vindication of women within academia.
Evolution of education and the importance of specialization
Nowadays, there are not so many difficulties in accessing education; at another time in Mexico’s history, only a very small number of people had the opportunity to learn to read and write.
Now, given the changes in laws and the market, society is witnessing an evolution in education, since today higher education is considered necessary and specializedsince the professional field is extremely competitive and demanding.
The value of teaching and learning, although it may seem to have emerged recently, has its origins in the struggle for independence, since one of its objectives was that the entire population had equal right to knowledge and academic training.
If you are interested in history and feel inspired by the changes in favor of society and the liberating thoughts promoted by the heroes of the country, the Bachelor’s degrees in Legal and Social Sciences, or Law and International Relations at Universidad Anáhuac Querétaro may be for you. Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more. Together we can make history!
