Origins & Early Life

Ignacio Manuel Altamirano Basilio (Spanish pronunciation: [iɣˈnasjo maˈnwel altamiˈɾano βaˈsiljo]; 13 November 1834 – 13 February 1893) was a Mexican radical liberal writer, journalist, teacher and politician. He wrote Clemencia (1869), which is often considered to be the first modern Mexican novel. Altamirano was born in Tixtla, Guerrero, of indigenous Chontal heritage. His father was the mayor of Tixtla, this allowed Ignacio to attend school there.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He later studied in Toluca thanks to a scholarship that was granted him by Ignacio Ramírez, of whom he was a disciple. As a liberal politician, Altamirano opposed Benito Juárez's continuation in office in 1861, allying himself with other liberal foes of Juárez and supporting Jesús González Ortega. With the French invasion of Mexico in 1862, Altamirano understood how dire the situation was for Mexico, since unlike the U.S. invasion (1846–48), which united Mexicans against the invader, the French were supported by Mexican conservatives. His best-known novel is El Zarco, which is set in Yautepec, Morelos during the Reform War of 1857–1860.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

It tells the story of an honorable and courageous Indian blacksmith who falls in love...

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• 1834 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1834
• November 13 (11-13) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 13
• 1893 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1893
• February 13 (02-13) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 13