Death of Benito Juárez; Sebastián Lerdo de Tejada becomes interim president

Background. Benito Juárez served as president from 1858 until his death in 1872. His health declined in 1872, following a heart attack in March. Sebastián Lerdo de Tejada, a liberal politician and jurist, had been Juárez's closest ally during the French occupation. In 1871, Lerdo ran for president against Juárez and Porfirio Díaz, finishing third. Upon Juárez's death, Lerdo became the constitutional successor.

Succession and Election. Lerdo de Tejada assumed the presidency as the constitutional successor following Juárez's death. He was elected to his own presidential term in November 1872. During his term, he neutralized political rivals, including Porfirio Díaz, who had attempted a coup against Juárez. Díaz was amnestied for his rebellion by Lerdo in November 1872, allowing Lerdo to pursue his program without immediate political interference.