Benito Juárez, (born March 21, 1806, San Pablo Guelatao, Oaxaca, Mex.—died July 18, 1872, Mexico City), National hero and president (1861–72) of Mexico. A Zapotec Indian, Juárez initially studied for the priesthood but later took a law degree and became a legislator, a judge, and a cabinet minister. He led La Reforma, a liberal political and social revolution in Mexico, and, when liberal forces gained control of the national government in 1855, he was able to implement his ideas. In 1857 he was elected head of the Supreme Court, which, under a new constitution, placed him first in the order of presidential succession. In 1858 a coup by conservative forces sent Mexico’s president into exile, but Juárez succeeded him and headed a liberal government that opposed the regime installed by the conservatives. After three years of civil war, the liberals prevailed. Juárez was elected president in 1861 and twice reelected. Early in his first term, the French under Napoleon III invaded and occupied Mexico, putting Maximilian of Austria in power in 1864. When Napoleon later withdrew his troops, Juárez defeated Maximilian’s armies and had him executed in 1867. Juárez’s final years were marred by a loss of popular support and by personal tragedy. He died in office.
