 A year after finishing his term as President of Colombia, in 1854, López joined the conservative and liberal armies against the “Artisans Revolution” and deposed General José Maria Melo from the presidency.During the civil war of 1859, López enrolled in the army of the “radical liberals”, who defended the Federation and autonomy of the states.López was elected as President of Tolima and assumed office in the city of Neiva in July 1863.