Carmen Serdán facts for kids

Carmen Serdán Alatriste (born in Puebla de Zaragoza, Mexico, in 1875 – died August 28, 1948) was a brave Mexican revolutionary. She strongly believed in the ideas of the Mexican Revolution. Carmen supported Francisco I. Madero, a key leader. She was the sister of Aquiles Serdán Alatriste, who was also a revolutionary. Her grandfather, Miguel Cástulo Alatriste Castro, was a governor of Puebla.

Carmen's Early Life

Carmen Serdán was born into an important family. Her father, Manuel Serdán Guanes, was a lawyer. He helped create the first plan for land reform in Mexico. Carmen had three siblings: Natalia, Aquiles, and Máximo Serdán Alatriste.

Joining the Revolution

Carmen worked closely with her brother Aquiles. They were both part of the National Anti-reelectionist Party. This party was founded by Carmen, Aquiles, and Francisco I. Madero. Their goal was to oppose the long rule of President Porfirio Díaz.

On November 18, 1910, Carmen's family home was attacked. The federal army tried to search their house. The Serdán family bravely fought back. Carmen's brother Máximo defended the roof. Carmen herself stood on a balcony and encouraged the people to resist.

She was wounded during the attack and then captured. Carmen was sent to prison and later to a hospital. After Victoriano Huerta's time as president ended, she worked as a nurse in various hospitals. Carmen spent her final years in her hometown. She passed away on August 28, 1948.

Spreading Revolutionary Ideas

Carmen Serdán was a writer for important publications. She contributed to the satirical magazine El Hijo del Ahuizote. She also wrote for the newspaper Diario del Hogar.

Carmen was one of the few women who helped spread news about the famous Díaz-Creelman interview. This interview helped start the Mexican Revolution. She shared this information in newspapers and at meetings.

She also helped create and was part of the Revolutionary Junta of Puebla. This group worked to organize the revolution.

Carmen helped arrange a big welcome for Francisco I. Madero in Puebla. She worked with other women from the city. Together, they spread messages against President Díaz's re-election. Madero promised this group that he would support equal work and pay. Sara Pérez Romero, Madero's wife, also joined their efforts.

On November 20, 1910, Carmen Serdán was in charge of planning the revolutionary movement in Puebla. She even created a secret code language. She used the fake name "Marcos Serrato" to send messages. She exchanged these messages with her brother Aquiles, who was in San Antonio, Texas.

While men were watched by the government, women played a vital role. The women of the "Feminine Club" prepared for the fighting. They also spread the "San Luis Plan." This plan told people how to start the armed uprising.

Remembering Carmen Serdán

Many places in Mexico are named after Carmen Serdán. These include schools, cultural centers, markets, and sports facilities. This is to honor her memory and her important role in the Mexican Revolution.

See also

In Spanish: Carmen Serdán Alatriste para niños