The Reform War and Mexico's 1857 Constitution

The Reform War: Liberals vs. Conservatives

The Reform War was a defining conflict in Mexican history. It began with the Plan de Ayutla, issued by Juan Álvarez, which declared Antonio López de Santa Anna’s government illegal, proclaimed a federalist system, and called for new elections. In 1855, Álvarez became president, called for elections, and began preparations for a new constitution.

The 1857 Constitution and the Reform Laws

Foundations of Mexican Liberalism

Liberalism was a movement that significantly impacted political, economic, and social areas in Europe and the Americas during the 18th and 19th centuries. In Mexico, the first people to express liberal ideas were the Criollos. After the proclamation of independence, the country experimented with two main political systems:

• Conservatives: Sought a monarchy that would centralize power.
• Liberals: Advocated for a democratic and autonomous system.

Economic Solutions and the Hacienda

Liberals believed the solution to the country's problems after several wars was the confiscation of church property and land owned by civil corporations. Confiscation is defined as a legal action that allows the expropriation of land and property owned by those who do not give it productive use. This was intended to support the Hacienda, which is the set of income taxes and other assets governed by the state or other public entities. These measures were intended to be perpetual, meaning they would last and remain forever.

Key Reform Laws and Their Impact

• Lerdo Law (1856): Proposed the economic recovery of the Hacienda through the expropriation and sale of clergy lands. This law was detrimental to indigenous peoples, as they were dispossessed of their lands.
• Juárez Law (1855): Eliminated the privileges of ecclesiastical and military personnel and led to the disappearance of fueros. This caused dissatisfaction in the church, the militia, and other sectors.
• Lafragua Law (1855): Established that no one could be disturbed or assaulted for expressing their opinions.
• Ocampo Law (1857): Decreed that the power to celebrate marriages belongs to the civil authority.

The Separation of Church and State

To further separate the church from the state, religious celebrations were removed from official business, and civic dates were established. Other significant measures included:

• Law of Freedom of Worship (1860): Explained in its second article that the church is formed of men who have voluntarily chosen to be members. It also established conditions for the freedom of the press regarding religious corporations, stating that ecclesiastical matters will not have civil penalties.
• Decree of Hospitals and Charitable Establishments (1861): Based on the conviction that the state is responsible for caring for, directing, and sustaining hospitals and public charity establishments.