The president of Mexico (1861–72) and a national hero, Benito Juárez fought foreign occupation under the emperor Maximilian and pursued constitutional reforms that helped establish a democratic federal republic, setting the stage for Mexico’s remarkable modernization in the last quarter of the 19th century and freeing ...
What did Benito Juárez do for indigenous peoples?
Throughout his stint as president from 1858-1872, first by default and then by election, Benito Juárez, the indigenous liberal-leaning lawyer from Oaxaca, successfully navigated the country through a choppy period of Mexican politics , one defined by Liberal reform, French invasion (including the famed Cinco de Mayo ...
What unusual characteristic did Benito Juárez have?
Benito Juarez was a Mexican statesman and president in the mid 19th century. Born to Zapotec parents in Oaxaca, he was raised with unusual privilege but a keen awareness of poverty and the need to protect the rights of all Mexican people .
Was Benito Juárez a good president?
On July 18, 1872, the President died at his desk. Juárez had many failings, but he was one of the greatest Mexican executives . He fought for and established a liberal constitution and stubbornly saved the country from foreign domination, although he did little to help the rural proletariat.
How did Benito Juárez became president?
Interim President (1857–1861)
Juárez was acknowledged as president by liberals on 15 January 1858 and assumed leadership of the Liberal side of the civil war known as the War of the Reform (Guerra de Reforma), (1858–60).
What was Benito Juárez role?
The president of Mexico (1861–72) and a national hero, Benito Juárez fought foreign occupation under the emperor Maximilian and pursued constitutional reforms that helped establish a democratic federal republic , setting the stage for Mexico’s remarkable modernization in the last quarter of the 19th century and freeing ...
What did Benito Juárez declare in 1861 that caused the French to invade?
Background. The French intervention in Mexico, initially supported by the United Kingdom and Spain, was a consequence of Mexican President Benito Juárez’s imposition of a two-year moratorium of loan-interest payments from July 1861 to French, British, and Spanish creditors.
What is Benito Juarez Day?
This national holiday is celebrated in Mexico on the third Monday in March , as enshrined in Article 74 of the Mexican labour law. This public holiday celebrates the Birthday of Benito Juárez, a 19th-century president and statesman who stood against the French intervention in Mexico.
What makes the Mexican culture unique?
Mexico’s culture is rich, colourful and vibrant , influenced by its ancient civilisations such as the Aztec and Maya as well as European colonisation. It is unique and probably one of the most fascinating cultures in the world. ... Music and dance feature heavily in Mexican culture.
What were the major goals of La Reforma?
The major goals of this movement were to undermine the power of the Catholic Church in Mexico, separate church and state, reduce the power of the Mexican military, and integrate Mexico’s large indigenous population as citizens of Mexico and not a protected class .
Why did the French want Mexico?
1861-1867. In December 1861, Emperor Napoleon III invaded Mexico on a pretext that Mexico had refused to pay its foreign debt , though in retrospect, Emperor Napoleon III wanted to expand his empire in Latin-America and this became known as the Second French intervention in Mexico.
What is Juarez’s legacy?
Juárez’s Legacy:
The period of Juárez’s leadership is known as La Reforma del Norte (The Reform of the North). During this time, large tracts of Church land was redistributed to the poor, the army was put under civilian control, church was separated from state, and civil rights were expanded.
How did Mexico defeat France?
Zaragoza Defeats French Invaders
Led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, an estimated 2,000—5,000 Mexicans fortified the town and prepared for the assault by the well-equipped French force. On the fifth of May, or Cinco de Mayo, Lorencez gathered his army and began an attack from the north side of Puebla.
Who is the first Mexican president?
Guadalupe Victoria , original name Manuel Félix Fernández, (born 1786, Tamazuela, Mex. —died 1843, Perote), Mexican soldier and political leader who was the first president of the Mexican Republic.
How many states are there in Mexico?
Political division of Mexico consists of 32 states : Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja California Sur , Campeche, Coahuila, Colima, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Durango, Mexico City, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacan, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis ...
