SUMMARY: Benito J uarez is considered one of Mexico's greatest and most

beloved leaders. During his political career he helped to institute a series of

liberal reforms that were embodied into the new constitution of 1857. During
the French occupation of Mexico, J uarez refused to accept the rule of the
Monarchy or any other foreign nation, and helped to establish Mexico as a
constitutional democracy. He also promoted equal rights for the Indian
population, better access to health care and education, lessening the political
and financial power of the Roman Catholic church, and championed the
raising of the living standards for the rural poor.
April, after it became clear that France had conquest in mind. The French
troops fought for two years, and although suffering a serious defeat on 5th
May 1862, eventually captured Mexico City in J une 1863, and placed
Archduke Maximilian of Austria on the Mexican throne.
Benito J uarez was born March 21st 1806, the child of Zapoteco Indians. After
they died when he was three, he went to live with his uncle, but when he was
12 hejoined his sister in Oaxaca. He began studying for the priesthood, but in
1829 changed to studying for a law degree, which he received in 1831. That
year he also began his political career, with a seat on the municipal council. In
1841 he became a judge, and the governor of Oaxaca.
In 1853 the conservatives took power in
Mexico and many liberals were exiled,
including J uarez, who spent his time of exile
in New Orleans. In 1855 the liberals won the
election, and Benito J uarez returned from
his exile as the Minister of J ustice. In 1857
. he was elevated to preside over the
. supreme court, in effect making himthe Vice
President. In 1858 the conservatives
rebelled, and again J uarez had to leave
Mexico City, this time fleeing to Veracruz,
where he created a government in exile.
Benito J uarez and the government of Mexico were forced to retreat right back
to Ciudad J uarez, on the border with the USA. After four years with growing
pressure from America, continuing resistance from Mexicans and criticism
from the French government and people, finally the Napoleonic forces
withdrew. Maximilian himself was captured and executed on 19th J une 1867.
J uarez returned to Mexico city, and the presidency even after suffering a
stroke in October 1870, and the loss of his wife in 1871. He won the
presidential election in 1871, but died on 18th J uly 1872, of a heart attack.
"
.
In J anuary 1861 the conservatives lost
power, and Benito J uarez became the
President of Mexico. As the treasury was
practically empty J uarez made the decision to suspend payment on all foreign
debts for a two year period. After Mexican congress rejected an agreement
J uarez had made with the British Prime Minister to protect the interests of
European countries Spanish, British and French troops landed in Vera Cruz.
Spain and Britain were there to protect their financial interests, and left in