The Lerdo Law It is a name that resonates in the history of Mexico as one of the most significant reforms of the XIX century. This legislation had a profound impact on the land distribution and property structure in the country.
It was enacted in 1856 during the presidency of Ignacio Comonfort and was proposed by Miguel Lerdo de Tejadapolitician and jurist.
This reform marked a turning point in the history of land ownership in Mexico and contributed to the country’s modernization process in the 19th century.
How is the Lerdo Law applied?
The Lerdo Law had a clear objective: to limit both the economic and political power of the Church and civil corporations by ending their ownership of urban and rural real estate..
It established that these entities must sell their surplus properties to individuals. If they did not, the government had the right to confiscate them and sell them to the public.
With this it had the potential to democratize land ownership and promote the creation of a class of small landowners.
The Lerdo Law was a response to the political and economic tensions of the time. Mexico was in a period of transition after the Independence and the Reformation.
Thus, the large tracts of land owned by the Church and civil corporations were considered an obstacle to economic progress and the consolidation of a secular government.
Furthermore, the need to finance the war against French Intervention and the Second Mexican Empire made the government look for additional sources of income through the sale of land.
Who issues the Lerdo Law?
The Lerdo Law was proposed by Miguel Lerdo de Tejada, a prominent Mexican politician and jurist of the 19th century. Lerdo de Tejada played an important role in the development of this legislation, which is named after him.
During his political career, he also held positions such as Secretary of Finance and Development in the government of Benito Juarez. His commitment to the Reformation and modernization of Mexico made him a key figure in the country’s history.
Lerdo de Tejada died of typhus on March 22, 1861, in Mexico City, at the age of 48.
The Lerdo Law was a milestone in Mexican history that sought to redistribute land ownership, as well as limit the power of the Church and civil corporations.