The Mexican reform movement is inspired by the liberal political philosophies of European intellectuals, such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, John Stuart Mill, and Pierre Joseph Proudhon.

Their views are adopted by a group of Mexican intellectuals who share a strong commitment to moralize Mexican politics.

The most outstanding member of the group is Benito Juárez, a Zapotec lawyer and politician.

Juarez and his cohorts go into exile in Louisiana, where they draw up the Plan of Ayutla in 1854 for the overthrow of Santa Anna.

As the plan gains broad-based support, the conspirators begin to return to Mexico.

In August 1855, in response to growing opposition, Santa Anna resigns for the last time.