21 March 1806 - Birth Date of Benito Juárez

Considered the "George Washington of Mexico", Benito Juárez was a Zapotec born in the mountains of Oaxaca.  His trials as "Father of his Country" were greater than those of his North American counterpart for he not only had to defeat an invading foreign army but also he had to contend with political rivals for most of his public life.  At 20 years of age he was elected to Mexico's congress under the dictator Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and quickly became in opposition to Santa Anna.  Benito had to flee for his life to New Orleans.  When Santa Anna was overthrown Juárez returned to Mexico and declared himself president.  Refusing to pay foreign debts caused France to invade Mexico and have Austrian archduke Maximilian crowned Emperor.  Then the president of the U.S. complained to the French that their troops in Mexico violated the Monroe Doctrine.  Within a year or so the French tactfully withdrew their troops upon which Juárez and his supporters defeated Maximilian and his troops.  Juárez then returned to Mexico City and served as president for five years.