Benito Juarez's birthday
Description:
Benito Juarez did a lot for his beloved country. He actively promoted the adoption of new liberal reforms, which were later included in the new constitution of 1857. During the French occupation, he refused to recognize the power of the monarchy and fought to the end for an independent and democratic Mexico. He equalized rights with the rest of the citizens of the indigenous people of the country - Indians. Under his rule, the power of the Roman Catholic Church (both political and financial) weakened markedly.
Throughout his political career, Juárez has fought to improve health and education and the lives of the poor.
Benito Juarez was born on March 21, 1806 into a poor Indian family. After the death of his parents, Benito moved in with his uncle at the age of three, and when he was 12, moved to his sister in Oaxaca. In 1827, the future president of the United States of Mexico graduated from theological seminary, then studied law at the Institute of Sciences and Arts in Oaxaca. He graduated as a lawyer in 1831 and began his political career at the same time, gaining a seat on the municipal council. In 1841 he became judge and governor of Oaxaca.
In 1853, the Conservative Party seized power in Mexico and many liberal politicians, including Juárez, were exiled. Two years later, in 1855, the Liberals won the election, and Benito Juárez, who returned to the capital, became Minister of Justice. In 1857, he was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, bringing him closer to the presidency. But a year later, the conservatives rebelled again, and Juárez had to leave Mexico City again, this time settling in Veracruz.
In January 1861, Benito Juárez became President of Mexico. But such a weak, unallied country was doomed to a long struggle for its independence. Foreign invaders were not long in coming. Shortly after the presidential election, Spanish, British and French troops landed in Veracruz. And if the British and Spaniards acted to defend their financial interests (the fact is that the state treasury was practically empty and had to stop paying foreign debts for 2 years), then the plans of the French were not limited to this. It was clear they were preparing for capture. For two years, French forces tried unsuccessfully to conquer the capital of Mexico, but despite a serious defeat on May 5, 1862, they managed to capture Mexico City in June 1863 and put Grand Duke Maximilian of Austria on the throne.
Four years later, under pressure from the United States, harsh criticism of the French authorities and people, and under the pressure of incessant resistance of the Mexicans, Napoleon's troops retreated. Maximilian was captured and executed on June 19, 1867.
After these events, Juárez returned to Mexico City and in 1871 again took the presidency, winning the election. This time, however, he was not destined to rule for long. On July 18, 1872, he died of a heart attack, only 1 year outliving his wife.