One of the most important political figures of the 19th century Mexico, Benito Juarez played the pivotal role in fighting against the foreign occupation in Mexico. He served as the President of Mexico for five terms. He endured a tough childhood. Orphaned at the age of three, he was raised by guardians and spent most of his youth working in corn fields and as a shepherd. He later joined a seminary as a priest and obtained a degree in law. Soon after, he became actively involved in local politics and passionately defended the rights of poor Indian communities. He represented the poor natives and became one of the leading lawyers of Oaxaca. He soon became a judge in a federal court and was later appointed as the governor of Oaxaca. During the military regime of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, he went into exile and returned to become the President. He helped in the overthrowing of Antonio’s government, resisted the French occupation of Mexico and also fought against the Second Mexican Empire.
Benito Juarez was the president of Mexico from 1858-1872. During his time as president he …show more content…
He was able to lead Mexico through one of the hardest times in its history and come out stronger on the other side. The gains he made for Mexico are impossible to ignore. Much of the responsibility for Mexico’s status as a modern nation in our world rests on Juarez’s shoulders. I also think that Juarez was an incredible leader in that he fought for equality for all citizens.
Benito Juarez is a hero in the Mexican culture because of his political success and ability to lead the country through rough times. But, he is a hero in my book because he took the necessary action to make equal right for indigenous people in Mexico a reality. I know that Mexico would be a far different place today if he had not taken the stand that he