As the government was struggling to finance the war, the Gomez Farias administration in January, 1847 decided upon nationalizing church lands and selling them to the amount of fifteen million pesos.

Meanwhile Santa Anna was returning to Mexico City from the Battle of Buena Vista to focus on Winfield Scott's expedition at Veracruz.

Both men had already ruled together in 1833 during which a controversial anticlerical campaign had been carried out, culminating in Santa Anna switching sides and overthrowing Gomez Farias.

[1] On January 7, 1847, a measure was introduced to congress that was signed by four of five members of a financial ministry commission, who endorsed the seizure of fifteen million pesos from the church by nationalizing and then selling its lands,[2] which in turn alarmed Gomez Farias’ opponents into fearing that he was reviving the anti-clerical campaign of 1833.

The decree was signed by President of Congress Pedro María de Anaya, and Gomez Farias approved it with the support of Finance Minister Zubieta.

[3] Minister of Relations José Fernando Ramírez recommended the application of the relevant Indian laws in anticipation of political agitation in the churches.

[7] The liberal paper El Monitor Republicano was incredulous that of all available options for raising funds, the government had chosen to nationalize church lands in the middle of a war without sounding public opinion, and it reminded its readers that the last time Gomez Farias had tried to nationalize church lands in 1833, it ended with the overthrow of the liberal government.

[11] A measure was taken to audit the finance ministry to reduce corruption in general, and the relevant officials were also obliged to present a report every four days on the progress of the church land sales and to explain any factors that were causing any delays.

They released a manifesto excoriating the government for pursuing a divisive policy, instead of uniting the country in the war effort and seeking a means of funding the military that was backed by national consensus.

met with Valentin Canalizo on February 30[clarification needed] and negotiated on the matter of an arrangement, with Pena insisting on the deposition of Gomez Farias.

[21] Upon arrival in San Luis Potosi on March 10, he wrote two letters, one to Gomez Farias and one to Peña Barragán, in which he ordered them to suspend hostilities.

[23] On March 21, representatives of the Congress including Mariano Otero and José María Lafragua, set out to present Santa Anna with an offer to assume the presidency.