At twelve years of age he could not read or write or even speak Spanish.

His employer, however, noted his intelligence and had him educated.

Becoming a lawyer, Juarez entered the political arena and rose to prominence by dint of natural talent for leadership, an indomitable perseverance, and a sturdy patriotism.

A radical by conviction, he felt that the salvation of Mexico could never be attained until clericalism and militarism had been banished from its soil forever.
Under his influence a provisional government had already begun a policy of lessening the privileges of the Church, when the conservative elements, with a cry that religion was being attacked, rose up in arms again.

This movement repressed, a Congress proceeded in 1857 to issue a liberal constitution which was destined to last for sixty years.