Benito Juarez Essay -- essays research papers

Benito Juarez was one of the most prominent and resourceful leaders in Mexicos history. He raised the standard of living and championed the poor. However, it took Juarez half his life to live such a dominant political figure.&9He was born in San Paulo Guelatao in the Mexican State of Oaxaca. His parents were Indians, and he was raised a sheepman boy. His parents died when he was three, leaving Benito to his unmarried uncle. His uncle believed that the only way for him to better his place in society was to become a priest. So, on December 18, 1818, Benito at the advance of twelve ran away to the metropolis to learn. He entered the city penniless, and didnt even speak the language.&9He soon got a job helping a bookbinder, and attended a parish school. He soon left the school because of discrimination, and social class divisions. He worked, and was then able to enroll in the Holy move through Seminary. Benito did not want to become a priest, but the free education kept him there. T hen, at 22 he entered the Institute of Sciences and Arts, and he studies Physics, and then law.&9In 1831 he finished his studies, and went to work in a law office. That same year, at age 25 he was elected to the position of city alderman. Then, in 1833 he was elected to the Oaxaca State legislature. Next, in 1834 he became the attorney for the state. Governments changed, as was characteristic in Latin America, and he was thrown in jail. He then was released, and gained support of both Libe...