The ensuing period of liberal rule in Mexico comes to be known as the Reform, which is touted as a Mexican version of the French Revolution.

Several laws, known collectively as the Reform Laws, abolish the fueros, curtail ecclesiastical property holdings, introduce a civil registry, and prohibit the church from charging exorbitant fees for administering the sacraments.

The Reform Laws polarize Mexican society along pro- and anticlerical lines at a time when delegates are preparing the constitution of 1857, as provided for in the Plan of Ayutla.