Benito Juárez

Benito Juárez, born on March twenty-first, eighteen oh six, in Oaxaca, emerged from humble beginnings as a member of a poor rural Indigenous family. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his uncle and moved to Oaxaca City at the age of twelve, where he began working as a domestic servant. His employer, a lay Franciscan, sponsored his education, allowing him to study law at the Institute of Sciences and Arts, where he became actively involved in liberal politics.

Juárez's political career began to flourish as he was elected governor of Oaxaca and later appointed Minister of Justice under President Juan Álvarez. He played a pivotal role in the passage of the Juárez Law, which was part of the broader constitutional reforms known as La Reforma. Following the resignation of President Ignacio Comonfort, Juárez ascended to the presidency during the tumultuous early weeks of the Reform War, leading the Liberal Party to victory against the Conservatives after three years of conflict.

His presidency was marked by significant challenges, including the Second French Intervention, which sought to establish a French-aligned monarchy in Mexico. Despite the adversity, Juárez remained steadfast, leading the Mexican Republic's government and armed forces, even as he was forced to retreat northward due to French advances. The collapse of the Second Mexican Empire in eighteen sixty-seven allowed him to return to Mexico City, where he continued to govern amidst growing opposition from fellow Liberals who accused him of autocratic tendencies.

Throughout his presidency, Juárez supported several controversial measures, including the negotiation of the McLane–Ocampo Treaty and extending his presidential term during the French Intervention. His decision to run for reelection in eighteen seventy-one sparked rebellion from his opponent, Porfirio Díaz, in the Plan de la Noria. Juárez's life came to an end due to a heart attack in eighteen seventy-two, but his legacy endures.

In honor of his contributions, the city of Oaxaca added