¿Sabías quien fue la madre de la PATRIA? | María Remedios del Valle

Summary

María Remedios del Valle, born in 1776 in Buenos Aires, played a crucial role in Argentina's War of Independence, fighting alongside key figures like Manuel Belgrano. A descendant of African slaves, she endured immense hardship, losing her family and suffering torture by the Spanish. After the war, she lived in poverty, begging and selling pastries. It wasn't until 1827 that her service was officially recognized, yet she struggled to make ends meet. Her pension was increased in 1835, but she passed away in 1847, largely forgotten. Her story highlights the invisible sacrifices made by many in the fight for independence.

Takeaways

• 😀 María Remedios del Valle, known as 'Mother of the Nation', was born in Buenos Aires in 1776, a descendant of African slaves.
• 😀 She fought for Argentina's independence and was overlooked during the second British invasion of the Río de la Plata.
• 😀 María worked as a nurse, helping wounded soldiers during the battles, including the first expedition to Upper Peru after May 25, 1810.
• 😀 She lost her biological and adopted sons in battle and participated in key battles such as Ayohuma, Vilcapugio, Tucumán, and the Jujuy Exodus.
• 😀 María was imprisoned by the Spanish in 1813, tortured for aiding patriot officers, but later escaped and joined forces with Martín Miguel de Güemes and Juan Antonio Álvarez de Arenales.
• 😀 After the wars, she returned to Buenos Aires and lived in poverty, selling pastries and begging in the streets of Plaza de Mayo.
• 😀 In 1827, politician Juan José Viamonte recognized her plight and petitioned the government to grant her a pension for her service to the nation.
• 😀 Despite many delays, María was finally recognized in 1828 as a captain of infantry with a pension of 30 pesos per month, though this amount was insufficient for her survival.
• 😀 Her pension increased by 600% in 1835 under Governor Juan Manuel de Rosas, and in 1836 her name appeared on the pension list under the name 'Remedios Rosas'.
• 😀 María Remedios del Valle passed away in 1847, and despite her significant contributions, her recognition was limited and her life ended in poverty.

Q & A

Who was María Remedios del Valle and why is she significant in Argentina's history?

María Remedios del Valle, known as 'La Madre de la Patria,' was a significant figure in Argentina's independence struggle. Born in 1776 in Buenos Aires, she was one of many descendants of African slaves and played a crucial role in fighting for Argentina's independence from Spain, notably as a nurse and soldier during the wars of independence.

What role did María Remedios del Valle play during the British invasions of the Río de la Plata?

During the British invasions, María Remedios del Valle was actively involved as a nurse, helping to treat wounded soldiers in battle, thus contributing significantly to the efforts of the independence fighters.

How did María Remedios del Valle participate in the wars for independence after 1810?

After 1810, María Remedios del Valle fought in several key battles including Ayohuma, Vilcapugio, and Tucumán. She also participated in the Exodus of Jujuy alongside Manuel Belgrano, helping to support the independence cause both as a combatant and a nurse.

What personal losses did María Remedios del Valle suffer during the wars?

María Remedios del Valle suffered the loss of her biological son and her adopted son during the wars. She also endured severe injuries from bullets and sabers, demonstrating her resilience and dedication to the cause.

What happened to María Remedios del Valle after the wars ended?

After the wars, María Remedios del Valle fell into poverty. Despite her significant contributions to the independence movement, she was largely ignored and lived in dire conditions, selling pastries in Plaza de Mayo and sometimes begging for food.

Who recognized María Remedios del Valle's contributions and how was she compensated?

In 1827, Deputy Juan José Viamonte recognized María Remedios del Valle while she was begging in the streets. He petitioned for her to receive a pension and recognition for her services. After much delay, she was granted a small pension of 30 pesos per month and acknowledged as a captain of infantry.

How was María Remedios del Valle's financial situation despite the pension?

Although she received a pension, María Remedios del Valle's financial situation remained difficult. She had to survive on only one peso per day in a city where basic goods like oil, meat, and herbs were expensive, making her financial situation very challenging.

What was the increase in María Remedios del Valle's pension and when did it happen?

In 1835, her pension was increased by 600% by the decree of Governor Juan Manuel de Rosas, though the exact amount remains unclear. This increase was part of an effort to recognize her for her services to the nation.

How did María Remedios del Valle's name appear in official records?

In the pension records of 1836, María Remedios del Valle was listed under the name 'Remedios Rosas,' possibly in honor of Governor Juan Manuel de Rosas, who had supported her financially.

When did María Remedios del Valle pass away, and what were the circumstances of her death?

María Remedios del Valle passed away in 1847, and her death was noted in the official pension records. She died having lived in poverty despite her significant role in Argentina's independence.