Angered at Washington's recognition of Juarez, the Conservative Government in Mexico expels all U.S. consular officers

The Conservative Government was locked in conflict with the Constitutional Government of Mexico, led by Benito Juarez, in the so-called "War of Reform." Washington recognized Juarez as the rightful leader of Mexico at his provisional capital at Veracruz in the first week in April. A week later the angry Conservative leaders, Felix Zuloaga and Miguel Miramon, who controlled much of the country, ordered that all Unites States consulates in these areas be closed and expelled the American consul in Mexico City. (By John Osborne)