Tacubaya Plan and the start of the Reform War in Mexico

Background. Conservatives fiercely objected to the Constitution of 1857, which abolished special privileges of the Catholic Church and the Mexican Army. General Félix Zuloaga led troops to the capital, closed congress, and issued the Plan of Tacubaya on 17 December 1857. The plan declared the Constitution nullified and offered supreme power to President Comonfort to convoke a new constitutional convention.

Coup and Resignation. Although Comonfort sought compromise, he was deposed in a coup led by Zuloaga on 11 December 1857. Zuloaga repudiated Comonfort on 11 January 1858, leading to a three-year civil war. Comonfort resigned and went into exile, leaving the constitutional presidency to Benito Juárez, while Zuloaga established a conservative government.

Conservative Leadership Shifts. By late 1858, dissatisfaction with Zuloaga's handling of the war led to revolts. A moderate faction overthrew Zuloaga in December 1858, hoping for compromise. Manuel Robles Pezuela, a military engineer, served as interim president of the Conservatives during this period, opposing the liberal government of Benito Juárez.