Why did the United Provinces of Central America collapse?

The United Provinces of Central America collapsed primarily due to deep-seated ideological divisions between Liberal and Conservative factions.12

While Liberals sought to implement reforms such as limiting the power of the Roman Catholic Church, promoting free trade, and reducing government regulation, Conservatives defended traditional institutions, including the church’s privileges, and remained skeptical of foreign development models. These tensions frequently erupted into civil war, destabilizing the federation.312

The situation deteriorated further following a cholera outbreak in 1837, which Conservatives used to incite popular opposition against the "godless" Liberal administration of Francisco Morazán. A rebel army led by Rafael Carrera seized Guatemala City in 1838, triggering the departure of most member states. By 1839, the federation had effectively disintegrated, and Morazán’s final defeat in 1840 marked the end of the union. Honduras had formally declared its absolute independence on November 5, 1838.132