Page 36 - SanFelipe

HOLE 5- José María Morelos y Pavón (1765-1815) is considered a national hero in
Mexico who, despite not having a military background, became a successful insurgency
leader, credited with organizing and bolstering the War of Independence. He assumed its
leadership after the execution of Miguel Hidalgo. Under his guidelines, the Constitution of
Apatzingán was drafted by Congress declaring that Mexico would become a Republic.

HOLE 6- Benito Juárez (1806-1872) rose from a humble birthplace as a Mesoamer-
ican Indian, to study law and become president of Mexico for two terms. During that time,
he fought against foreign occupation under Emperor Maximilian of France, who he
defeated in the battle of Puebla. During his presidency he sought constitutional reforms
to create a democratic federal republic, he fought to overcome the social attitudes toward
36 Mexican indigenous people.