Benito Juarez

Lawyer, Politician

March 21, 1806 San Pablo Guelatao, Mexico

July 18, 1872 Mexico City, Mexico

Margarita Maza

One of the most important political figures of the 19th century Mexico, Benito Juarez played the pivotal role in fighting against the foreign occupation in Mexico. He served as the President of Mexico for five terms. He endured a tough childhood—orphaned at the age of three, he was raised by guardians and spent most of his youth working in corn fields and as a shepherd. He later joined a seminary as a priest and obtained a degree in law. Soon after, he became actively involved in local politics and passionately defended the rights of poor Indian communities. He represented the poor natives and became one of the leading lawyers of Oaxaca. He soon became a judge in a federal court and was later appointed as the governor of Oaxaca. During the military regime of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, he went into exile and returned to become the President. He helped in the overthrowing of Antonio’s government, resisted the French occupation of Mexico and also fought against the Second Mexican Empire. To learn more interesting and intriguing facts about his childhood, personal life and achievements, scroll down and continue to read this biography.