The emergence of liberalism in Costa Rica stemmed from a clash between the conservative Catholic Church and a state embracing liberal reforms. In 1884, the bishop of Costa Rica openly criticized the European liberal ideas gaining popularity among the political and social elite. In response, the government expelled the bishop from the country and officially renounced a previous church-state agreement that had established Catholicism as the state religion. Despite the drastic nature of these actions, public outcry was minimal.
The liberal movement reached a turning point with Costa Rica’s first true public elections. However, the liberals were taken by surprise when the opposition garnered overwhelming support, effectively using the reforms introduced by the liberals against them. When the liberals attempted to block the recognition of the newly elected president, 10,000 citizens flooded the streets in protest. The people of Costa Rica had clearly embraced their newfound political power.
Since then, Costa Rica’s democratic tradition has endured, remaining largely uninterrupted to this day.