Contents
Benito Juárez
Defending Mexico’s republic against French intervention and advancing the separation of church and state.
Juárez Law · Reform Laws
- Born
- 21 March 1806
- Birthplace
- San Pablo Guelatao, Mexico
- Died
- 18 July 1872
More people
Nelson MandelaHelping end apartheid and becoming South Africa’s first Black president.
Winston ChurchillBeing a racist bigot and responsible for the orders that led to the Bengal famine of 1943, in which an estimated three million people died.
Franklin D. RooseveltLeading the United States through the Great Depression and most of the Second World War.Benito Juárez
Zapotec lawyer and Liberal president who led Mexico through civil war and foreign invasion. His reforming governments weakened inherited privileges, while his repeated terms in office also provoked opposition among fellow Liberals.
Early life
Zapotec childhood
Born into a rural Indigenous family in Oaxaca, he was orphaned young and initially spoke Zapotec rather than Spanish.
From seminary to law
Moved to Oaxaca City for work and education, then left religious studies to pursue law.
Career
- 1830s–1840s
Law and local office
Worked as a lawyer and entered municipal and state politics before becoming governor of Oaxaca.
- 1853–1855
Exile and return
Lived in New Orleans under Santa Anna’s rule, returning to serve as justice minister.
- 1858–1867
A republic at war
Assumed the presidency, led the Liberals in the Reform War and resisted the French-backed monarchy.
- 1867–1872
Restored republic
Returned to Mexico City and remained president until his death.
Reforms & legacy
Juárez Law
Curtailed special courts and privileges for the clergy and military.
Reform Laws
Separated religious and civil authority, including marriage and registration.
Restoration of the republic
His government survived invasion and the imperial regime’s collapse.
Beyond work
Family and displacement
Married Margarita Maza; repeated wars and exile separated their family.
Contested re-election
His decision to seek another term in 1871 helped trigger Porfirio Díaz’s rebellion.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Institutional biography and research ↗Photo: Unknown photographer. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
