Draft:Women in Latin American Independence Wars

Women in Latin American Independence Wars put themselves in many new positions and jobs due to the upheavals of war. Families would be interrupted due to husbands being exiled or imprisoned for their political resistance. Women would send letters to courts to show their husbands innocence or their dependence on their husbands as a way to convince the courts to free their husbands. Due to how women were viewed as innocent it put them in a unique position to be part of spy roles. A list of potential jobs women during this time picked up included nurses for soldiers, hosting political gatherings, sending gifts, gathering supplies, and becoming spies.

Women who were trapped in slavery also had a shift in roles during this time. Their position as a subaltern did not only have to face prejudice as a woman but an added layer due to slavery. Slaves were offered a ticket to freedom if they decided to fight in the war. This meant women would follow their husbands around if they joined the military. Also, many would fight or attempt to join the military to guarantee their freedom. Espionage was not limited to women in high-class society because many slave women also stepped into this position. These women grew in courage during this time and demanded their freedom often due to their association with the military drive or participation.

Juana Azurduy

Guerilla warfare was also a path for women during this time. It was not a typical role for all women, but there was a trend for younger women from upper-middle-class families. Typically these women had an education and a tie to the revolutionary movements. There is multiple historical examples of women who participated in guerilla warfare such as Cecilia Tupac Amaru and Juana Azurduy.