Definition of the War of Reform

Towards the middle of the nineteenth century, Mexico was in an unstable situation, having lost an important part of its territory for the benefit of the United States and financially he was bankrupt. In this context, liberal reforms were promoted to modernize the country, but these reforms soon had the opposite response from the conservatives, the clergy and a part of the army.

The main focus of tension between liberals and conservatives was the privileged situation of the Catholic Church. This tense situation led to the existence of two parallel governments, one conservative and the other liberal (the first led by Félix Zuloaga and the second by Benito Juárez).

Liberals were inspired by the ideals of the Illustration while the conservatives were influenced by the doctrine of the Catholic Church and the thought European conservative.

The War of the Reform began in 1857 and lasted three years

President Benito Juárez proposed a reform of the Constitution with the intention of weakening the hegemony of the clergy and turning Mexico into a

nation secular and prosperous. To do this, he adopted measures that limited the power of the Catholic Church; among them, the Liberty cult, the Civil marriage or the secularization of cemeteries and hospitals. The announcement of these measures was what triggered the armed confrontation between conservatives and liberals in the so-called War of Reform.

The last episode of the Reform War (also known as the Three Years' War), was the battle of Calpulalpan and the consequent defeat of the army that defended the interests of the conservatives. After the battle, President Benito Juárez left the city of Veracruz and definitively entered the capital to announce the end of hostilities.

Consequences of the War of the Reform

The triumph of liberal ideals resulted in a reform of the state. In this sense, the following measures should be highlighted:

1) the definitive separation of the state and the church,

2) the dominance of the civilian forces over the military establishment,

3) the autonomy of the states that make up Mexico and

4) guarantees for the promotion and development of private property. These principles were embodied in a new Constitution.

For some historians, the triumph of the liberals was much more than a simple reform, since it represented a radical change in economic, social and cultural relations. Do not forget that a weather of religious intolerance to the secularism of the state and the secularization of society.

After the War of Independence, the Reform War is considered the bloodiest in the history of Mexico.

Photos: Fotolia - FZD - Erica Guilane-Nachez

Issues in the War of Reform