Benito Juárez: Government by carriage, 1863-1867

Abstract

The period 1863 to 1867 was one of the most important watersheds in Mexican political history. During these years the primary national issue was not the menacing specter of foreign imperialism but the old nineteenth-century Mexican idealogical conflict of liberalism versus conservatism. Benito Juarez and his followers symbolized the liberal republican idea of democracy. The conservative-Church faction championed foreign intervention for the purpose of regaining what had been lost as a result of the War of the Reform. The ensuing clash of interests and ideas resulted in a repudiation of conservatism and the ascendancy of liberalism. The key to understanding the turbulent era is an in-depth knowledge of the operation of the Juarez government and of Juarez himself. To many his ability to maintain the republican government represented a resurgence of Mexican nationalism, the continuation of Mexican sovereignty and independence, the destruction of monarchical principles, and an impressive victory. The determination of Juarez to continue the legitimate government of Mexico took the president from Mexico City to San Luis Potosi and into the deserts of northern Mexico. Juarez faced four years of continuous challenges from his own supporters while attempting to present a united front to the outside world. By 1865 he was surrounded by only a few close supporters while many liberals had fled from Mexico. Yet the liberal government did not disintegrate but continued functioning effectively. While the pressure of the United States on Napoleon III had some influence on the withdrawal of French forces, the determination of Juarez to continue the legitimate government of Mexico must also be considered an important historical factor in causing Napoleon to weary of his Mexican venture. Juarez' skill in guiding the nation more than any other factor contributed to the collapse of Maximilian's ill-fated empire. When Juarez returned to Mexico City after four years, one month, and fifteen days, the triumphant reentry climaxed a struggle between the forces of liberalism and conservatism that had begun in 1854. Liberalism had triumphed.