Benito Juarez

Date of Birth: March 21, 1806

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: July 18, 1872

Biography

Benito Juárez was a Mexican lawyer and politician who served as the President of Mexico for five terms between 1858 and 1872. Born into a poor Zapotec family, he rose to become one of the most important and influential figures in Mexican history. Juárez is widely celebrated for his efforts to modernize the country, reduce the power of the military and the church, and foster a sense of national unity. Juárez was born in a small village in Oaxaca and was orphaned at a young age. Despite his humble beginnings, he pursued education vigorously, eventually studying law at the Institute of Sciences and Arts of Oaxaca. His political career began when he was elected to the Oaxaca City Council and later became the governor of Oaxaca. During his presidency, Juárez implemented significant reforms, collectively known as La Reforma, aimed at curbing the influence of the Catholic Church and the military in Mexican affairs. His leadership during the tumultuous period of the French Intervention, when French forces installed Maximilian I as emperor of Mexico, was crucial. Juárez led the Republican resistance, and after the fall of Maximilian, he was reinstated as president, continuing his progressive reforms until his death in office.

5 Interesting Facts about Benito Juarez

1. Benito Juárez was the first indigenous president of Mexico.

2. He is often referred to as the “Lincoln of Mexico” because of his efforts to reform and modernize the country.

3. Juárez’s birthday, March 21, is a national holiday in Mexico, known as Benito Juárez Day.

4. He played a critical role in the ousting of the French-installed Emperor Maximilian I.

5. Juárez’s La Reforma period led to the establishment of a secular state, reducing the power of the Catholic Church and the military.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Benito Juarez

1. “Among individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.”

2. “I am not aspiring to be a dictator, but to contribute to the establishment of a democratic government.”

3. “The triumph of reactionary forces will be ephemeral, but the triumph of the people will be eternal.”

4. “Law has always been my shield and my sword.”

5. “The government must be based on laws created by the people and for the people.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a 19th-century statesman, Benito Juárez did not accumulate personal wealth in the modern sense. His focus was on public service and reform rather than financial gain.

Children

Benito Juárez had several children with his wife Margarita Maza, including: 1. Manuela Juárez 2. Felicitas Juárez 3. Margarita Juárez 4. José Juárez Maza 5. Jerónimo Juárez Maza