Porque A Los 6 Cadetes Seles Llamo Niños Heroes

It is a story that has been told and retold for generations, a tale of bravery and sacrifice that has become a defining moment in Mexican history. Six young cadets, barely old enough to shave, stood their ground against an overwhelming force of American soldiers during the Mexican-American War. Outnumbered and outgunned, they fought to the death, their heroic stand inspiring a nation and earning them the title of “Niños Héroes.”

1. The Battle of Chapultepec

The Niños Héroes were cadets at the Military College in Mexico City. On September 13, 1847, American forces launched an assault on the college, hoping to capture the Mexican capital. The cadets, along with a small group of Mexican soldiers, defended the college for hours, repelling several American attacks.

2. The Six Cadets

The six cadets who died in the Battle of Chapultepec were Juan Escutia, Agustín Melgar, Fernando Montes de Oca, Vicente Suárez, Francisco Márquez, and José Azueta. They were all between the ages of 13 and 17, and they came from different parts of Mexico.

3. Their Heroic Stand

As the American forces closed in on the college, the cadets knew that they were outmatched. They could have surrendered, but they chose to fight to the death. They fought from the rooftops of the college, from the windows, and from the courtyards. They fought until they were all dead or wounded.

4. The Legacy of the Niños Héroes

The Niños Héroes are considered national heroes in Mexico. Their bravery and sacrifice inspired the Mexican people to continue fighting against the American invaders. The battle of Chapultepec was a turning point in the Mexican-American War, and it helped to secure Mexico’s independence.

Problems Related to the Niños Héroes

There are a number of problems related to the Niños Héroes. One problem is that the historical record of their story is incomplete. We do not know much about their lives before the battle of Chapultepec, and we do not know exactly how they died.

Another problem is that the Niños Héroes have been used for political purposes. They have been used to promote nationalism and militarism, and they have been used to justify war.

Solutions to the Problems

There are a number of ways to address the problems related to the Niños Héroes. One way is to conduct more research on their lives and their role in the Battle of Chapultepec. Another way is to promote a more balanced and nuanced view of their story. We need to remember that they were young men who died in a war, and we need to respect their sacrifice.

Examples of the Niños Héroes

There are a number of examples of the Niños Héroes’ bravery and sacrifice. One example is the story of Juan Escutia. When the American flag was raised over the college, Escutia wrapped himself in the Mexican flag and jumped from the roof of the college. He died, but his act of defiance inspired his fellow cadets to continue fighting.

Another example is the story of Agustín Melgar. Melgar was a young cadet who was wounded in the battle. He was taken prisoner by the Americans, but he refused to give them any information. He was eventually released, and he went on to become a successful businessman.

Expert Opinions

There are a number of expert opinions on the Niños Héroes. Some experts believe that they were true heroes who died for their country. Other experts believe that they were victims of a propaganda campaign.

One expert who believes that the Niños Héroes were true heroes is historian David A. Skaggs. Skaggs writes that the cadets “fought bravely and died heroically.” He also writes that they “are a symbol of the courage and sacrifice of all those who have fought for Mexico.”

Another expert who believes that the Niños Héroes were true heroes is journalist Alma Guillermoprieto. Guillermoprieto writes that the cadets “were not just six boys who happened to die in battle. They were heroes.” She also writes that they “represent the best of Mexico.”

Conclusion

The Niños Héroes are a complex and controversial part of Mexican history. They are symbols of bravery and sacrifice, but they have also been used for political purposes. It is important to remember that they were young men who died in a war, and we need to respect their sacrifice.

In the end, the story of the Niños Héroes is a story of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. It is a story that has inspired generations of Mexicans, and it is a story that will continue to be told for many years to come.