How did the Cristero War reflect religious tensions post-revolution?

The Cristero War reflected religious tensions post-revolution by sparking a violent conflict between the Mexican government and Catholic rebels.

The Cristero War, also known as La Cristiada, was a direct response to the anti-clerical laws implemented by the Mexican government following the Mexican Revolution. The revolution, which took place from 1910 to 1920, was a period of significant political and social change in Mexico. One of the key outcomes of the revolution was the 1917 Constitution, which sought to limit the power of the Catholic Church in Mexico. This was a controversial move, as Mexico was, and remains, a predominantly Catholic country.

The anti-clerical laws included restrictions on religious education, the confiscation of church property, and the removal of the church's right to own property. These laws were seen by many as an attack on their religious freedom and led to widespread discontent among the Catholic population. This discontent eventually boiled over into the Cristero War, a violent conflict that lasted from 1926 to 1929.

The Cristero War was characterised by guerrilla warfare, with Catholic rebels, known as Cristeros, fighting against government forces. The Cristeros were largely made up of peasants and were supported by a number of Catholic organisations, both within Mexico and internationally. The war resulted in a significant loss of life, with estimates suggesting that around 90,000 people died during the conflict.

The Cristero War is a clear example of the religious tensions that existed in Mexico following the revolution. The anti-clerical laws were seen by many as an attempt by the government to suppress the Catholic Church and limit its influence. The violent response to these laws, in the form of the Cristero War, demonstrates the strength of these religious tensions. The war also highlights the deep-seated resistance to the secularisation of Mexico, a process that was a key part of the post-revolutionary government's agenda.