Benito Juarez

Benito Juarez (http://www.art-prints-on-demand.com/a/mexican-school/portraitofbenitojuarez180.html&search_width=0&search_height=0&search=)

Benito Juarez was the president of Mexico in the 19th century. He did a lot of things for the Mexican people. He helped Mexico in many ways. He inspires me because he's a man that suffered throughout his life but he still helped Mexico achieve independence.

Benito Juarez was born on March 21, 1806 in a village at San Pablo, Gualatado. Gualatado is in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. When Benito Juarez was three years old his parents died. His grandparents died, too, which led Benito to go live with his uncle, Bernardino. Benito's uncle treated him badly and showed him no love. Benito also had to work because he gave money to his household.

Benito got tired of how they treated him, so at age twelve Juarez decided to move and live with his sister at the capital of Oaxaca. Then, when he was with his sister, he met and lived with Don Antonio Salanueva, and this changed Benito Juarez's life. Don Antonio gave him money so he could attend school and get educated. Three years later Mexico got independence from Spain. Juarez was able to get enrolled in a seminary college. Benito studied law and civil militia corps. Benito graduated in 1831. He got into politics locally and at the state level. In 1843 he got married to Margarita Maza, and they had twelve kids. He became governor of Oaxaca in 1847. In 1853, after he left the governor's office, Juarez and other people were put in prison by Santa Anna. Then they fled to the United States. Juarez lived in New Orleans and he continued to oppose Santa Anna. In 1855 Juarez went back to Mexico. Santa Anna was overthrown that year. Juarez joined the new government that replaced Santa Anna. Juarez's contribution was passing reform laws. In 1861, fighting between Juarez's federalists and centralists stopped and Juarez became the leader of all Mexicans.

Unfortunately, Mexico had no money. France then decided to try to take over the country and sent their army toward Mexico City. Mexico defeated France in the battle of Puebla on May 5th. Mexico celebrates this victory as Cinco de Mayo. Still, France was able to take Mexico City, and Juarez had to escape to the US border. Juarez kept fighting and in February 18, 1867, Mexico finally defeated the French.

Statue of benito juarez (http://www.ifimages.com/public/image/1333653/view.html)

Benito Juarez became president in 1867. He did many things including giving all Mexicans free elementary education. In 1871 he began his fourth term as president in Mexico. He died of a heart attack in 1872, while he was still in office.