Ignacio Zaragoza

When the date approaches in the Mexican country and the name “Cinco de Mayo” begins , thousands of memories and memories emerge in the minds of Mexicans, reminding them of the most symbolic and important battles of the collective unconscious of the Mexican people: the Battle of Puebla , when General Ignacio Zaragoza faced, together with a small army, the powerful French forces of Napoleon III during the Second French Intervention.

What did

The General Ignacio Zaragoza faced with a small army, a large and powerful French forces of the army of Napoleon III during the Second French Intervention . President Juárez organized a group and placed General Ignacio Zaragoza in command . The army was small and had almost 10,000 men, and it was called the Army of the East .

Although he knew how difficult the situation was and his great responsibility, since they had a great disadvantage in arms and discipline , Zaragoza took the reins of the problem and told his men leading them to victory:  “Our enemies are the first citizens of the world, but you are the first children of Mexico and they want to take your homeland away from you ” .

Biography of Ignacio Zaragoza

He was born on March 24, 1829 in the Presidio of La Bahía de Espíritu Santo , south of Texas , United States . He was the second son of Miguel Zaragoza Valdez and María de Jesús Seguin Martínez . As a child and after the independence of Texas , his family moved to the State of Tamaulipas where he began his studies. For some years he pursued a priestly career , but abandoned it, to continue the example of his father, who was an infantryman .

He joined the Ayutla Revolution against Antonio López de Santa Anna, managing to enter the liberal forces for the first time , where he would spend his entire life. In 1953, the Nuevo León army had him in its ranks as a sergeant .

Military activity

During the intervention of the United States of America in Mexico, he tried to enlist as a cadet , but was rejected. In 1953 he managed to enter the army of Nuevo León , first as a sergeant , and then as a captain of his regiment. In 1854 he joined the Ayutla Plan to overthrow the dictator Antonio López de Santa Anna and together with 100 followers he took up arms to defend the liberal cause.

In 1860 he fought for the Constitution of 1857 . He also participated in the battle of Calpulalpan against the conservative forces, ending the War of the Reform and laying the foundations for a new republican system .

He was also part of the War of Reform and during the Benito Juárez government , he served as minister of war . In April 1862 he faced the French military forces that invaded Mexico and in May he managed to defeat them so that the French army decided to surrender and withdraw.

Death

At the young age of 33 , General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín, died on September 8, 1862 , in Puebla. His cause of death was typhoid fever .

Parents of Ignacio Zaragoza

His parents were named Miguel Zaragoza Valdés , who was a man originally from Veracruz, and María de Jesús Seguin Martínez , from San Antonio de Béxar, and who was a relative of Juan José Erasmo Seguin, an important member of the Mexican Federation and municipal president.

Relations

Ignacio Zaragoza married Rafaela Padilla de la Garza , but their marriage did not last long as his wife died five years later in Mexico City, a victim of pneumonia . Rafaela considered the only and legitimate wife of the hero of the Battle of Puebla. His remains were exhumed and taken to Puebla where they were reunited with those from Zaragoza.

Sons

Ignacio Zaragoza had three children, Ignacio Zaragoza Padilla (1857), Ignacio Estanislao Zaragoza Padilla (1858) and Rafaela Zaragoza Padilla (1860). The first-born son died in March 1858 and eight months later his second son was born, who also died in Mexico City. His daughter lived until 1927.

Importance

The main importance of Ignacio Zaragoza lies in his glorious participation during the Battle of Puebla , an important event in the history of the Mexican people. It was thanks to him that Napoleon III’s troops who had invaded the country were defeated . Thanks to his organization , courage and pride for his country, he managed to make his national weapons touch the glory in this battle. Through it, the people of Mexico are reminded of how important sovereignty is for an entire nation, to unite the people , the settlers and to giveidentity .

Acknowledgments

The main recognition that has been made in the name of Ignacio Zaragoza is the Monument to Ignacio Zaragoza which is located in the Plaza that bears the same name and which commemorates the second year of the anniversary of the victory in the battle of Puebla . Its location makes it easy to admire since it is located in front of the municipal palace , the Metropolitan Museum and in front of the Monterrey Cathedral.

When he was only three days old after his death, the LX Legislature of the Congress of the Union decreed that the name of Ignacio Zaragoza be inscribed in gold letters in the session room and that the city of Puebla be named after him .

Quotes by Ignacio Zaragoza

There are no data on many of his phrases, but without a doubt, the most important and famous are the following:

• The national arms have been covered in glory. The French troops behaved bravely in combat and their leader awkwardly.
• The French army has fought with much bizarreness; your commanding general has been awkward in his attack.
• Our enemies are the world’s first soldiers ; but you are the first children of Mexico.