Here stands Carlos María de Bustamante Statue. He was no ordinary man. Carlos María de Bustamante was a Mexican statesman. He was also a historian and journalist. Bustamante played a vital role in Mexico’s independence.
Born in Oaxaca in 1774 Bustamante’s life was dedicated to his nation. He supported Mexican independence with unwavering passion. He died in 1848 in Mexico City.
Bustamante’s influence spanned politics and intellect. From Mexico’s independence until his death he participated in every Mexican congress. He helped shape a new Mexican identity.
Bustamante initiated a tradition. It involved researching and publishing materials. These materials focused on Mexico’s Indian past and its colonial fate. His writings shifted creole patriotism. It became the ideology of national liberation.
In 1805 Bustamante founded Diario de México. This newspaper promoted liberal ideas. It championed independence. His outspoken views led to repeated imprisonment. But his spirit remained unbroken.
In 1813 José María Morelos a leader of the Mexican insurgency recognized Bustamante’s talent. Morelos appointed him editor of Correo Americano del Sur. That year Bustamante participated in the Congress of Chilpancingo. He served as a deputy. He even wrote Morelos’ opening speech. It declared freedom from the chains of serfdom.
The congress drafted the Constitution of Apatzingán. It was Mexico’s first constitution. It established an independent republic.
After Mexico achieved independence in 1821 Bustamante continued to serve. He was elected as a deputy from Oaxaca to the Mexican Congress. He opposed Agustín de Iturbide’s rise to power. This led to another imprisonment.
In 1846 Bustamante published a newsletter. It was titled “Mexico no quiere rey y menos a un extranjero”. This translates to “Mexico doesn’t want a king let alone a foreign one”. He opposed establishing a monarchy.
Bustamante was not only a politician. He was also a historian. He published historical works on colonial times. He helped bring forgotten manuscripts to light.
His historical sketch of The Mexican-American War revealed Mexico’s decay. He wrote frankly about the war’s conduct on the Mexican side. His autobiography “Lo que se dice y lo que se hace” provides a glimpse into contemporary history.
Above all Bustamante published “Historia general de las cosas de Nueva España”. It was written by Fray Bernardino de Sahagún. This publication was a service to historical research.
Bustamante also printed the chronicle of Gómara. He included Veytia’s work on Tezcuco. He added Gama’s dissertations on Mexican sculptures.
Carlos María de Bustamante’s legacy endures. He was a politician historian and journalist. He helped shape Mexico’s independence. He left behind a wealth of writings. The Carlos María de Bustamante Statue is a reminder of his contributions. It honors his commitment to Mexico.