Presidencia de Benito Juarez: La Intervención Francesa

Benito Juarez's Presidency: The French Intervention

Benito Juarez, a pivotal figure in Mexican history, served as the President of Mexico during a critical period marked by the French Intervention. This period was characterized by the French attempt to establish a monarchy in Mexico, which resulted in the Second French Intervention in Mexico. The following article explores the key events, decisions, and outcomes of Juarez's presidency during this time.

Background

Juarez, a Zapotec Indian from Oaxaca, rose to prominence during the 1850s and 1860s, leading the Liberals to victory in the Reform War and the Second French intervention in Mexico. He was a strong advocate for liberal reforms, including the separation of Church and state, and played a crucial role in resisting foreign intervention in Mexico's affairs.

The French Intervention

In 1862, France, under the leadership of Napoleon III, decided to intervene in Mexico to pursue debt collection and regime change. This was a result of Mexican President Benito Juarez's imposition of a two-year moratorium on loan-interest payments from British and Spanish creditors. Emperor Maximilian, a puppet of the French, was sent to Mexico with the intention of establishing a monarchy in the country.

Impact on Juarez's Presidency

During the French Intervention, Juarez was forced to evacuate Chihuahua City, but French forces did not pursue him further due to the presence of American troops. Juarez made El Paso del Norte his new capital. In late 1865, Juarez received a thirty million dollar loan from the United States, and American volunteers began to enlist in the Mexican army.

Crisis of Leadership

When Juarez's term expired in November 1865, a constitutional crisis ensued. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Jesus Gonzalez Ortega, challenged Juarez for the presidency, but Juarez denied the validity of Ortega's claims, arguing that the relevant constitutional clause concerned an interim presidency for the purpose of arranging new elections. Juarez passed a decree prolonging his own presidency, which was generally accepted among the Liberals.

Departure of the French

As the French intervention continued, Napoleon III began to realize that the French troops were involved in a military quagmire. In January 1866, he announced his intention of withdrawing French troops from Mexico. Faced with the impending collapse of the Empire, Empress Carlota traveled to Europe to seek more military support, but upon the failure of her efforts, she was reduced to insanity. Emperor Maximilian traveled to Orizaba in October 1866, contemplating abdication.

The End of the French Intervention

By November 1866, the Juarez government had recovered most of the country, including nearly all of the territory encompassed by a line running from Tuxpan through San Luis Potosi, to Morelia, and nearly all of the territory south of Cuernavaca. Maximilian's privy council voted against abdication, and he decided not to depart with the French.

Aftermath

After the victory, Maximilian was sentenced to death, and many prominent figures, including Victor Hugo and Giuseppe Garibaldi, sent petitions for clemency, but Juarez refused to commute the sentence, believing he had to send a strong message that Mexico would not tolerate any government imposed by foreign powers. Maximilian was executed on June 19, 1867, and Mexico City surrendered the day after his execution. The republic was restored, and President Juarez was returned to power in the national capital.

Legacy

Juarez's resistance to the French Intervention solidified his position as the father of the modern Republic of Mexico. His presidency marked a period of intense conflict and resistance against foreign intervention, and his leadership played a crucial role in preserving Mexico's sovereignty during a tumultuous time in its history.