User:Dominic/Workshop/Javier Mina

Francisco Javier Mina was a Spanish revolutionary and general who fought against Spain on behalf of Mexico in the Mexican War of Independence. A nobleman and liberal, Mina was noted for his idealism and antagonism towards the absolutist monarchy of Ferdinand VII. Inspired by the revolution and the French Revolution, Javier Mina became an outspoken critic of the Spanish monarchy, and organized a revolt in Pamplona with his cousin Francisco Espoz y Mina. When the revolt failed, he went into exile, and decided to join the effort of the American revolutionaries for whom he had advocated as a dissident in Spain. Along with other members of the intelligentsia and clergy, Mina became one of the few white leaders of the revolution in Mexico, as most others were part of the privileged social class beholden to the Spanish crown. Mina had sought backing in England and the United States, and in 1816, after gathering a £2,000 grant from the British crown and 270 men, Mina landed his force in Mexico. Mina's campaign was an effort to help restore the Constitution of 1812, and to this end he allied himself with the Junta of Jaujilla, which was supported by [[Vicente Guerrero, receiving troops and arms from them. The small expedition was overwhelmed by the much largest Spanish forces, and defeated less than a year later, ending in the executions of Mina and his men. Back in Spain, Mina was vilified by the press and accused of "unbridled ambition" by the government; his death was met with celebration.