Benito Juárez and the Liberal Reforms (1858 – 1872)

 Benito Juárez and the Liberal Reforms (1858 – 1872)

Benito Juárez, a Zapotec indigenous leader, became President of Mexico in 1858 and led a movement of liberal reforms to modernize the country.

• The Liberal Reforms (La Reforma):

• Separated church and state, reducing the Catholic Church's power.

• Limited military influence in politics.

• Established land reforms to help poor farmers.

• French Invasion and Cinco de Mayo (1862-1867):

• In 1862, France, under Napoleon III, invaded Mexico to establish a monarchy.

• The Mexican army, under General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 (Cinco de Mayo).

• However, the French later installed Maximilian I as emperor in 1864.

• Juárez's forces fought back, and in 1867, Maximilian was captured and executed, restoring the Mexican Republic.

Benito Juárez remained Mexico's leader until his death in 1872, and he is still considered a national hero.