How did Liberal and Conservative political beliefs differ in early Honduras?

Following independence from Spain in 1821 and the subsequent formation of the United Provinces of Central America, political life in Honduras was defined by intense friction between Liberal and Conservative factions.12

These groups held fundamentally different visions for the nation’s governance and social structure:

• Liberals: This faction advocated for republicanism, the promotion of freer trade, and a reduction in government regulation. They sought to diminish the political and economic influence of the Roman Catholic clergy and favored adopting foreign models of development to modernize the country.12
• Conservatives: In contrast, Conservatives were generally more traditional and pro-Spanish in their outlook. They defended the power and privileges of the clergy, leaned toward monarchism, and were deeply skeptical of foreign influence or development models.12

These ideological clashes contributed to the collapse of the Central American federation, leading Honduras to declare absolute independence in 1838. Conservative forces subsequently dominated the country until the 1870s, during which time they restored the church's traditional position, before a resurgence of Liberal influence began in the late 19th century.12