ANDRÉS QUINTANA ROO: BIOGRAPHY, STYLE, CONTRIBUTIONS - ARTE - 2025

Andrés Eligio Quintana Roo (1787-1851) was a New Spain politician, lawyer, writer and poet (that is, he was born in New Spain, which is today Mexico). He actively participated in the independence process of his country and also had an outstanding political action.

In the literary area Quintana Roo was a notable essayist and poet, and the notable newspaper articles he wrote also added to his legacy. The themes he developed were related to politics, history and freedom. His work was framed in the romantic and neoclassical currents.

Portrait of Andrés Quintana Roo. Source: Pelegrí Clavé, via Wikimedia Commons

His life was marked by forceful and important events. His opposition to Spanish colonization made him one of the most important insurgents and revolutionaries in Mexican history; his ideas, thoughts and actions were decisive for freedom.

Biography

Birth and family

Andrés was born on November 30, 1787 in the province of Yucatán, Mérida, and came from a cultured and wealthy Spanish family. His parents were José Matías Quintana and Ana María Roo. He had a younger brother named Thomas, who was an important priest.

It is important to note that Quintana Roo's father was a prominent actor in Mexican political life. On several occasions he was accused of rebellion and conspiracy. That was because he was against the Spanish crown, and specialists suggest that perhaps that gallantry influenced his son's work.

Education of Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo studied his first years of studies at the San Ildefonso Institute in the state of Mérida, and since then his talent for writing was evident. Then, in 1808, he moved to Mexico City to study law at the Real y Pontificia Universidad de México.

Political and social context in which Quintana Roo developed

In 1812 Mexico was immersed in a political and social dynamic attached to the Constitution of Cádiz, which was drawn up in Spain and was almost entirely in favor of Europeans. This favoritism of the Cádiz Magna Carta resulted in the rebellion of a good part of Mexican society.

In the group of those who wanted the independence of the nation was Quintana Roo. The following years meant a constant struggle for freedom and for having our own constitution, by Mexicans for Mexicans. Although it was a difficult task, the nation finally achieved its sovereignty.

His great love

After having obtained the title of lawyer, Andrés began to practice the profession in prestigious offices in the city. There he met the great love of his life: Leona Vicario, who also accompanied him in the independence struggle, and had an important role in the freedom of Mexico.

Los Guadalupes bell, in honor of Leona and Andrés. Source: SEPOMEX, via Wikimedia Commons

Ideological obstacles

Although Andrés and Leona fell madly in love, they had to overcome several obstacles to be together. She was the niece of Agustín Pomposo, who was Roo's boss; Furthermore, her political and freedom thoughts were opposed, so she did not let them marry.

For a time they had to separate and Vicario began to associate with the independence struggle in secret. They discovered her in 1813 and she was imprisoned, but she was nevertheless able to escape and married Quintana Roo in Michoacán. Together they carried out various works in favor of their nation.

Quintana Roo and the printing press

The lawyer and politician also knew about the printing business, a trade he learned from his father. In 1812, along with other revolutionaries, Quintana Roo took advantage of his knowledge to edit the newspaper El Ilustrador Americano. The newspaper circulated until the following year, and had an approximate of thirty-eight issues.

The pages of that communication medium served to combat the Spanish colonization from conviction and passion. He also participated in the edition of the American Patriotic Weekly, aimed at spreading the positive side of politics and the right to equality.

Quintana Roo in Congress

Since his youth, Andrés was linked to politics. Perhaps he was inspired by his father, who along with other personalities fought against the servitude treatment that was given to the indigenous people. So from 1813 he was a member of the Congress of Anahuac.

His work lasted until December 15, 1815, and during his tenure he directed the National Constituent Assembly. He also participated in the writing of the Declaration of Independence. His political interventions made him a threat to those who were in favor of Spain.

Victim of persecution

Andrés Quintana Roo was always clear about his ideas of freedom, and for this reason he was not well regarded by those who tried to maintain control of the Aztec territory. The persecutions and harassment were immediate, they even attempted against the life of his beloved Leona Vicario.

Vicario was his partner in ideas and struggles for the freedom of Mexico, and his enemies used her to threaten Quintana. In 1818 they tried to execute her, but nevertheless the lawyer called on his contacts and filed a petition for amnesty and the life of his fiancee was spared.

Political charges

At the beginning of the second decade of the 19th century, Quintana Roo served as Minister of Foreign Relations, from August 11, 1822 to February 1823, during the government of Agustín de Iturbide. At that time he was also a deputy and senator on several occasions.

Later, the politician stood out as Minister of State as well as as Supreme Court judge for a brief period, from December 23 to 31 of that same month in 1829. At that time he had already begun to present his various ideas printed media.

Participation in the government of Santa Anna

Towards 1833 the politician was appointed civil servant of Justice and Ecclesiastical Business. With that charge, he earned the rejection of the church. However, Quintana Roo only asked that priests stay away from politics, and not use their sermons as tools of intervention.

Signature of Andrés Quintana Roo. Source: Andrés Quintana Roo, via Wikimedia Commons

The following year he resigned from the ministry due to the roughnesses that occurred with the clergy. In 1841, in a new presidential term of Antonio Santa Anna, he was commissioned to mediate in the conflict that Yucatán had for being autonomous. Although Roo raised an idea of ​​sovereignty, the president did not accept it.

Quintana Roo and writing

Andrés Quintana Roo's adventures in writing began since the times of Mexican independence. Although he wrote several articles of a political nature, these have not been fully known throughout history. But it is known that they were decisive and with a powerful verb.

In the pages of the Diario de México he constantly published both poetry and some journalistic texts. Due to the content of his writings and the time in which they were conceived, he became part of the so-called "poets of independence" along with other intellectuals of the time.

The loss of his wife

In 1842 Andrés Quintana Roo suffered the physical loss of his wife and partner in struggles Leona Vicario. Sadness seized his life and loneliness was his companion. Old age soon reached him and the time passed between the work of the Supreme Court of Justice.

Death

During most of his life Quintana Roo was concerned about the freedom of his homeland, and at all times he remained faithful to his ideas. Until the end of his days he was active in politics and literature. The writer died on April 15, 1851 in Mexico City. He was initially buried in the Rotunda of Illustrious Men.

From 1910 to 2010, his remains were deposited in the Independence Monument in the Mexican capital. Then they were taken to the National Museum of History to undergo a series of investigations and a conservation process.

Style

Andrés Quintana Roo's literary style was characterized by the use of clear and precise language, with high patriotic features. Through his different essays and journalistic articles, he managed to capture his ideas of freedom, which motivated the awakening of the Mexican people towards a new direction.

In the case of his poetic work, although it was not abundant, it was framed within the neoclassical and romantic. He was influenced by the author Manuel José Quintana. His lyrics were oriented towards the history, politics and social situation of Mexico of his time.

Contributions in politics and literature

One of the most important contributions that Quintana Roo gave to his nation was having participated in the writing of the Act of Independence in 1813. It was also part of the Constitution of Mexico through the well-known Constitutional Decree of October 22, 1814.

He was also one of the first deputies to express the need for freedom of worship and religion. On the other hand, he advocated that the Republic be established. Ultimately Quintana Roo was a defender of democracy and freedom, who sowed patriotism and love for the culture of his land.

In literature

Through his literary work Andrés Quintana Roo laid the foundations for the historical knowledge of the freedom of Mexicans, with the writing of his articles in different newspapers. He was also the founder of the Institute of Sciences, Literature and Arts in 1826.

The intention of the writer was to keep the fields of science and literature in his country in constant development, in such a way that its inhabitants could create feelings of roots and nationalism. The Quintana Roo pen left a legacy of patriotism and autonomy.

Plays

- American Patriotic Seminary (1812). Newspaper.

- American Illustrator (1812). Newspaper.

-Short description of his work

September 16

It was the best known poetic work of Andrés Quintana Roo. The content of this text was referred to patriotism and freedom. The writer also condemned the Spanish domination through a language full of clarity and precision, where the expressiveness and power of the words stood out.

Fragment

“Renew, oh muse! the victorious breath

with which, faithful of the country to holy love, the glorious end of her bitter cry

bold I predicted in inspired accent, when most proud

and with lied triumphs more fano, the vicious Iberian

so much oh in oppression he carried his hand, that the Anahuac defeated

forever counted his anointed partner.

… Woe to the one who today more seditious lips

of freedom to the flattering man

open up, pretending to be a novelist

lied evils, futile grievances!

From the shameful scaffold

swiftly he will descend from the cold grave…

It will not be however that the benign sky, easy accomplice of bloody oppression, deny the country in such a cruel storm

a look of comfort.

Before the gracious throne, ceaselessly raises the ignition I pray, the aching moan

of that prelate that inflamed in fire

of divine charity, helpless America sponsors.

But who of praise the worthy prize

with supreme titles snatch, and the most glorious laurel at his temple ties, undefeated warrior, benign victor?

The one who in Iguala said:

Let the country be free! And it was later

that the long havoc

the voracious fire stopped and war,

and with sweet mercy

Independence settled on the throne.

Endless hymns as indelible glory!

Eternal honor to light men

that they knew how to prepare the way, Oh immortal Iturbide! to victory.

Their names before were

covered in pure light… ”.

Illustrious shadows, with bloody irrigation

of freedom you fertilized the plant, and its most sweet fruits you left

to the homeland, burning in sacred fire!

Receive today benign,

in his faithful gratitude sincere garments

in worthy praise, more than durable marble and bronze, with which your memory

placed in the palace of glory ”.

Fragment on the

“Among all the revolutions that have changed the face of the States, none like ours appeared in its less favored origin of circumstances to be the crown of a happy success…

Three centuries of colonial existence, deprived of all means of acquiring the necessary aptitude to govern ourselves one day, were not the best preparation to suddenly proclaim an independence, which, by upsetting the foundations of the old constitution, did not reveal a single point of support… ”.

References

1. Andrés Quintana Roo. (S. f.). Cuba: Ecu Red. Recovered from: ecured.cu.
2. Muñoz, A. (2017). Andrés Quintana Roo. Mexico: Encyclopedia of Literature in Mexico. Recovered from: elem.mx.
3. Andrés Quintana Roo. (2019). Spain: Wikipedia. Recovered from: es.wikipedia.org.
4. Tamaro, E. (2004-2019). Andrés Quintana Roo. (N / a): Biographies and Lives. Recovered from: biografiasyvidas.com.
5. Ortuño, M. (S. f.). Quintana Roo, Andrés (1787-1851). (N / a): MCN Biographies. Recovered from: mcnbiografias.com.