Juárez, Benito Pablo (1806–1872)

Mexican politician, president 1861–65 and 1867–72. In 1861 he suspended repayments of Mexico's foreign debts, which prompted a joint French, British, and Spanish expedition to exert pressure. French forces invaded and created an empire for Maximilian, brother of the Austrian emperor. After their withdrawal in 1867, Maximilian was executed, and Juárez returned to the presidency.

He won popularity for nationalizing church property in his first year in office. He was the first Indian (non-Spanish) president of Mexico.