Agustina de Aragon

Agustina de Aragon was born March 4, 1786. This woman was a warrior during the Peninsular war in Spain between 1807 and 1814. Known as "the Spanish Joan of Arch" her courage led her to become an officer in the Spanish army. According to Heritage History, on June 15, 1808 the French army reached Saragossa, where Agustina witnessed her army fall to the French. Agustina wasn't going to just stand there, so she ran towards a cannon pointed at the French army and lit the fuse. The scene of a lone woman with the courage to run towards war encouraged the Spanish troops to keep fighting. The French army fell back and for a couple weeks the city was secure. Though the French did gain the land later on, Agustina de Aragon was seen as a hero and inspiration to those fighting against the French. 

Agustina continued to fight against the French and later paired up with the Duke of Wellington. According to Badass of the Week, she was promoted to Captain. Agustina and her men later fought the French in the Battle of Vitoria  pushed them out completely once and for all. 
Agustina's "manly" actions would've been a problem if it weren't for the french capturing the King of Spain. Spain didn't have women fighting before this it was not part of their societal norms. The church took over and declared every Spaniard to take arms. This opened the gates for women to fight and become leaders in war changing their views on women in positions of power like captains and lieutenants. 
Agustina demonstrated all the characteristics of a woman warrior. She put herself before all the men that couldn't to defend her city. Her actions were recognized after the war was over and she continued to be praised. Even now I believe people would appreciate what she did if the information was taught in school. We learn about all the men that stayed behind and gave orders but Agustina gave orders and fought with her men she didn't stay back sheltered and safe. People will always find inspiration in those who put themselves on the line for others and that's what Agustina did throughout the war. Personally I believe we don't hear about warrior women enough. There are so many women that have done great things for many countries that surpass men and are never recognized. 
                                                                 Works Cited

“Agustina De Aragon.” Heritage History - Products, www.heritage-history.com/index.php?c=resources&s=char-dir&f=agustina.

Badass of the Week: Agustina De Aragon, www.badassoftheweek.com/agustina.html.

“Agustina De Aragón.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 8 Oct. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agustina_de_Arag%C3%B3n.