War of the Reform

The War of the Reform, also known as La Reforma, was a civil war in Mexico fought between liberals and conservatives from 1858 to 1860. This conflict arose from the implementation of liberal reforms, including the Ley Juárez, which abolished special privileges for the clergy and military, and the Ley Lerdo, which mandated the sale of church lands.12

The liberal government, led by figures like Benito Juárez, drafted a constitution in 1857 that aimed to limit the church's power and strengthen civilian control. The conservative factions, including the clergy, military, and landowners, opposed these changes, leading to the outbreak of war. The liberal government ultimately won, enacting further reforms such as the confiscation of church property and the institution of civil marriage. The war's outcome significantly weakened the conservative opposition and paved the way for further liberal reforms, though challenges remained in implementing land redistribution policies effectively.12