Benito Juárez

Benito Juárez (March 21, 1806 – July 18, 1872) was a Zapotec Amerindian who served two terms (1861-1863 and 1867-1872) as President of Mexico. Juárez is often regarded as Mexico's greatest and most beloved leader. He was the only Native American to serve as President of Mexico.

Early Life

Benito Pablo Juárez García was born in the village of San Pablo Guelatao, Oaxaca.

Related Topics:
San Pablo Guelatao - Oaxaca

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

His parents were peasants who died before his fourth birthday.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He worked in the corn fields and as a shepherd until the age of 12, then on December 17, 1818, he walked to the city of Oaxaca with a wish to educate himself and find a better life.

Related Topics:
December 17 - 1818 - Oaxaca

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

At the time he was illiterate and could speak no Spanish, only Zapotec.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In the city he took a job as a domestic servant, and eagerly made up for his previous lack of education.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A lay Franciscan named Antonio Salanueva was impressed with young Benito's intelligence and thirst for learning, and helped arrange for him to be accepted at the city seminary.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He studied there but decided to pursue the law rather than the priesthood.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He graduated from the seminary in 1827, then studied law.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~