Rafael Nunez became president in 1879 and was reelected in 1884. He denounced the 1863 constitution, and wrote a new constitution in 1886. Under the new constitution, the formerly sovereign states became dependent departments headed by governors.Catholicism was declared the official religion, and a strong army was formed. Tariff protection was used to stimulate certain industries. In 1881, a National Bank was established.
This era is termed the Regeneration in Colombia because it signaled the rise of a modern capitalist state. There was also more internal stability.
However, the leaders after Nunez were corrupt, and the Liberals revolted in 1899, leading to the War of Thousand Days.
