Abstract #1

Heather Blackstone

Wst 200

08 February 2010

Mexican History is not something studied by many students, due to the fact that we live in the United States and many times teachers are not required to teach it. However, this does not mean that some students do not learn about some of the great leaders and warriors who have helped shape not only Mexico’s history, but America’s history as well. Men like Quetzalcoatl, Moctezuma, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, Pancho Villa, and Don Benito Juárez are all men who have made strong impacts on both Mexico and the United States. It is mind boggling to me however, to know that the women who stood along side them through out the years are never mentioned. Long before Mexico was even a country, Indigenous women played a huge role in the shaping of Mexican history not only on the sidelines, but in battles as well.

Women did not merely support the men in their tribes; they stood shoulder to shoulder with them and fought with them as well. Proof of these women fighting with the men of their tribes dates back all the way to 1035 A.D. with the Aztec warrior princesses that they worshiped. The times of battle for women did not stop there, later on when Spaniards came to Mexico, the native women all fought to defend their villages against the Spanish invaders. The Spaniards would later name these women Soldaderas (women who fought along side men in battle).

With this project I will hopefully be able to give recognition to the women who have fought so bravely for Mexico. It is important that I know more about my heritage than just what the curriculum has taught me. Thousands of women have risked and lost their lives for my country, it is important that they are recognized.

Work Cited

Elizabeth Salas, ES. (1990). Soldaderas in the mexican military: myth and history. Austin, TX: University of Texas .

Linhard, TL. (2005). Fearless women in the mexican revolution and the spanish civil wa. Columbia, Missouri : University of Missouri .

Usandizaga, Aránzazu, & Monnickendam, Andrew. (2001). Dressing up for war. 2001.

Reflection: This is a great topic, it is really interesting and it seems like you have a great start to the research. I would maybe question why are these women never mentioned in history textbooks and more specifically American history textbooks. Maybe go into your heritage a little more and how this relates to you. Great job!

-Alex Robins

I really liked your idea it is very true. I like how you want the women to be recognized for what they did. Try figuring out why they aren’t mentioned in history book or in history in general. Try relating it to something in your life or culture. Awesome points made!

-Lizabeth L. Lopez-Vasquez

How does this feel to get “new eyes” on my work?

What can I do to improve the abstract?

How can the abstract be my map to steer my organization?

Above are the remarks from my fellow peers.