Manuela Saenz

27.12.1795

Who was Manuela Saenz?

She was an iconic South American woman, born in 1797 and passed away in 1856. Now a day she is known as "La libertadora del Libertador" because she saved Simon Bolivar's life in several occasions; but she contributed to Latin American Independence as well. She participated in the liberation of New Granada. She was the daughter of a Spanish nobleman but her parents were not married. She married James Thorne at the age of 19, but they split up 5 years later. During their short time married, she got to know army personnel and politicians, witnessed the independence in America and got inspired by Simon Bolivar. Eventually she developed a relationship with Simón Bolívar, and in consequence She was sent to the exile. Her contributions to the independence were forgotten for a long time because she was a woman and her badly seen relationship. She spent her last days in Paita, Perú. 

How did she contribute to independence?

Manuela Saenz contributed to independence as she fought in the Battle of Pichincha as a field marshall, motivating soldiers to fight for their homeland. Also, besides being Bolivar's lover she was his right hand. Other way that Saenz contributed, was by donating resources to the troops that fought against the Spanish people. She demonstrated that social class, gender or race can't stop someone from fighting for what is right, specially if someone is trying to take away freedom.

When was she recognized for her achievements? Where did she fight?

In South America especially in the zones, that are nowadays, Ecuador and Colombia. She fought on the Battle of Pichincha, the Battle of Ayacucho, the Battle of Junín. Only until the XX century she was recognized as an important character of the independence. These battles are important as they all were a victory for Latin American revolutionaries. In the case of the Ayacucho, she fought as a soldier and thanks to her role in the battle she was named a caudillo. A caudillo was a common person who standed out by her strategies and the amazing way they fought.Manuela liberated New Granada under the leadership of Simon Bolivar. Because of that now a day she is a symbol of feminism in Latin America, especially in Ecuador. 

What did she do that made a difference in Independence?

Her participation was protagonist in the fight against the Spanish Empire. She fought in the Battle of Pichincha in 1822, as well as in the Battle of Ayacucho, which crowned the sovereignty of Peru and South America. Manuela was mentioned by Antonio José de Sucre in a letter, recognizing her courage and strategies. She was one of the first women that participated in the revolution of Latin America and joined to the division of Húzares and then to the Vencedores. She even organized and controlled the supplies for soldiers in the troops and treated injured soldiers for the battle. She fought under enemy fire and rescued soldiers that were harmed. She was a political activist who fought for her own rights.

Social Perspective against her: 

She was badly seen by society, as she cheated on her husband, wasn't virgin when she got married. But social judgment was so strong that people forgot about her achievements and the way she contributed to Latin American freedom.

Even though not other people see her that way, as in one letter Antonio José de Sucre said in one letter:

"Dona Manuela Sáenz has been particularly highlighted for her courage; joining from the first moment to the division of Húzares and then to that of Vencedores; organized and providing the first aid to the troops of the troops, attending to the wounded soldiers, fighting to clean shot under the enemy fires; rescuing the wounded (...) Doña Manuela deserves a tribute in particular for her behavior ".

Fun/interesting facts

  • She decided to exile herself as a consequence of the death of Simon Bolivar
  • Her death was caused by diphtheria
  • She even had to dress as a man when she had spying missions
  • When she used the military uniform, sh was judged, instead of being admired
  • Her bones are buried next to Bolivar's

Quotes:

"Se ha destacado particularmente a doña Manuela Sáenz por su valentía; incorporándose desde el primer momento a la división de Húzares y luego a la de Vencedores; organizado y proporcionando el avituallamiento de las tropas, atendiendo a los soldados heridos, batiéndose a tiro limpio bajo los fuegos enemigos; rescatando a los heridos (...) Doña Manuela merece un homenaje en particular por su conducta".

From the book Manuela of Luis Zuñiga:

"Mi apreciado y distinguido amigo:

¡No, no, no, no más hombre, por Dios!

¿Por qué hacerme usted escribir faltando a mi resolución? Vamos, ¿que adelanta usted, sino hacerme pasar por el dolor de decirle mil veces no?

Señor, usted es excelente, es inimitable, jamás diré otra cosa sino lo que es usted; pero mi amigo, dejar a usted por el general Bolívar es algo; dejar a otro marido sin las cualidades de usted, sería nada.

¿Y usted cree que yo, después de ser la predilecta de este general, por siete años, y con la seguridad de poseer su corazón, prefiero ser la mujer del Padre, del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo, o de la Santísima Trinidad? Si algo siento que haya sido usted algo mejor para haberlo dejado. Yo sé muy bien que nada puede unirme a él bajo los auspicios de lo que usted llama honor. ¿Me cree usted menos honrada por ser él mi amante y no mi marido? ¡Ah!, yo no vivo de las preocupaciones sociales inventadas para atormentarse mutuamente".

Quiz:

    • What was her military rank?
    1. General
    2. Mayor
    3. Field Marshall
    • Why is she known as: "Libertadora de Libertador"?
    1. Because she was the lover of Simón Bolívar
    2. Because she saved Simon Bolivar various times
    3. Because she took part in the battles to liberate America.
    • Who was her husband?
    1. Simón Bolívar
    2. James Thorne
    3. José María
    • Where was she from?
    1. Ecuador
    2. Perú
    3. Venezuela
    • Did she have children?
    1. She had but they passed away
    2. She was childless
    3. Yes, she had three kids
    • Where was she exiled to?
    1. Colombia, Bogotá
    2. Chile, Santiago
    3. Perú, Paita
    • Which social class did she belong to?
    1. Criolla/ Bastard
    2. Slave/ Bastard
    3. Mulata/ Bastard
    • How did she meet Simón Bolívar?
    1. On the street
    2. In a party in honor of Simón Bolívar
    3. In the battle field

Riddle Game:

1.- It had a skirt but no legs and a battle was lead under that skirt.


2.- I was Simon Bolivar's child but I'm not a person and nowadays I'm separated in 5 and restyled.


3.- I might have wanted independence first and even I got it last, Manuela came from this highland.



Bibliography:

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