 Benito Juárez was born March 21.  He was born in San Pablo Guelatao, Oaxaca, Mexico.  Juárez was born of Indian parents, but both died when he was only three years old.

Benito Juárez

 Benito Juárez received his law degree from Oaxaca Institute of Arts and Science.  He also won his first public office, a seat on the municipal council.  He was very honest and never used public office for personal gain.

Mosaic chronicling the life and achievements of Benito.

 Juárez is married.  He marries a woman named Margarita Maza.  She was a Oaxaca girl that was seventeen years younger than he was.

Benito with his wife and his sister.

 1853 until June 1855 he lived in New Orleans in the United States in semi-poverty, occupying himself by exchanging ideas with other Mexicans and laying plans to return home.  The liberals took control of the national government.  Juárez went to New Orleans because he was exiled because of his beliefs.

New Orleans

 During the French occupation of Mexico, Juarez refused to accept the rule of the Monarchy or any other foreign nation, and helped to establish Mexico as a constitutional democracy.  He also promoted equal rights for the Indian population, better access to health care and education, lessening the political and financial power of the Roman Catholic church, and championed the raising of the living standards for the rural poor.  Juarez’s thoughts were put into the new Mexican Constitution.

Mexico’s Constitution from 1857

 1861 Juárez was able to return to Mexico City and was constitutionally elected president.  However, faced with many serious problems: the opposition's forces still remained intact, the new Congress distrusted its president, and the treasury was virtually empty.  Although faced with many tough decisions Juarez is remembered as a great hero.

Juárez was President the same time Abraham Lincoln was President of the United States.

 He continued to be President for 14 years.  He was a national hero of Mexico.  For three years fought against foreign occupation under the emperor Maximilian and who sought constitutional reforms to create a democratic federal republic.

Monument dedicated to Benito Juárez in Mexico City.

 Benito died in  He died in Mexico City.  He was 66 years old.

 Benito Juarez was put on the new version of the peso that was issued in  Juarez is featured on the $20 banknote.  On the front of the bill is a picture of him and on the reverse side is a monument dedicated to Juarez.

Juarez on the $20 peso.

 Juárez was remembered as a great hero.  He is remembered as a leader through the tough times in Mexico.  Also most Mexicans are very proud of the ideas he gave for the Constitution.