1806-1872. Mexican politician, president
1861-64 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 Juarez returned to the presidency.