Unit IV: The Mexican Revolution The role of foreign powers (especially the United States) in the outbreak and development of the Mexican Revolution; motivations, methods of intervention and contributions “Mexico, mother of foreigners and stepmother of Mexicans.” Popular Mexican saying towards the end of Diaz’s regime

US watching over the Mexican revolution Chicago Tribune 1913

It took the U.S. 55 years before we had 10 Presidents Unit IV: The Mexican Revolution The role of foreign powers (especially the United States) in the outbreak and development of the Mexican Revolution; motivations, methods of intervention and contributions Year President 1876-80; 1884-1911 Porfirio Díaz 1911-1913 Francisco I. Madero l913 Francisco León de la Barra (interim) 1913 Pedro Lascuráin (interim) 1913-14 Victoriano Huerta (interim) 1914 Francisco S. Carbajal (interim) Eulalio Gutiérrez (interim) Roque González Garza 1915 Francisco Lagos Chazaro 1915-20 Venustiano Carranza 1920 Adolfo de la Huerta (interim ) 1920-24 Alvaro Obregón 1924-28 Plutarco Elías Calles 1928-30 Emilio Portes Gil (interim) 1930-32 Pascual Ortíz Rubio 1932-34 Abelardo L. Rodríguez (interim) 1934-40 Lázaro Cárdenas During the first 10 years of the revolution Mexico had 10 Presidents It took the U.S. 55 years before we had 10 Presidents

Progress being 'unattainable' for Mexico San Francisco Examiner 1913

Political cartoon from the Chicago Tribune from 1914, expressing how the US was presented as liberating former Spanish colonies.

Unit IV: The Mexican Revolution The role of foreign powers (especially the United States) in the outbreak and development of the Mexican Revolution; motivations, methods of intervention and contributions - 1 Porfirio Diaz Were his policies good or bad for the United States and other foreign powers? * Diaz had American support * Encouraged foreign investment * Provided stability to protect investments What did the U.S. get in return? At the turn of the 20th Century: * United States companies held 27 percent of Mexican land * Of the over 1000 mining companies – 85% U.S. owned Taft - $ diplomacy – support of Madero vs Diaz It should be noted that Diaz came to power with the support of American Capitalist, army commanders, and Texas landowners who regarded his predecessor as “anti-american.” Supplied Diaz with cash and arms Support continued throughout till near the end At the turn of the 20th Century, United States owners, including major companies, held about 27 percent of Mexican land. Of the over 1000 mining companies – 85% were U.S. companies The oil industry, controlled by U.S. and British interest boomed under Diaz’s rule By 1911 Mexico became third among the world’s oil producers French and Spanish dominated texteile and other consumer-goods industries Things like cloth and clothing which had rapid growth after 1890 5500 textile mills and cement factories, sugar and flour refinieries, and breweries by 1902 By 1910 American industrial investment was 45 percent, pushing Presidents William Howard Taft and Woodrow Wilson to intervene in Mexican affairs Foreign moneys and technology dredged the harbors of Veracruz, and improved ports such as Tampico, Manzanillo and Mazatlan Overall foreign trade increased nearly tenfold under the Porfiriato regime Silver production quadrupled and gold production increased from 1.5 million pesos in 1877 to 40 million by 1888 * The oil industry boomed -1911 Mexico world’s 3rd largest oil producer * By 1910 – U.S. controlled 45% of Mexican Industry

Unit IV: The Mexican Revolution The role of foreign powers (especially the United States) in the outbreak and development of the Mexican Revolution; motivations, methods of intervention and contributions - 2 Why did U.S. support for Diaz change towards the end? * Initially Taft did not want to intervene * Growing unrest – Remember Dollar Diplomacy * Favoring European companies at times over U.S. corporations - Railroads as an example Why support Madero? Initially Taft did not want to intervene but wanted to keep the Díaz government in power to prevent problems with business relations between the two countries, such as the sales of oil between Mexico and the United States Rising unrest in Mexico helps shifts support 15,000 miles of railroad was completed by 1910 Practically subsidized by Mexican government and built by British Capital and technology and owned partially by British banks Although Mexican government took a controlling interest by 1908 Support is hard to quantify however ease of Maderistas to move, propagandize, purchase arms seems to imply support Keep in mind it would be illegal for Taft to suppress the forsaid activities American interests resented Porfirio Díaz's favoritism towards Europe and supported Francisco Madero for a change ???? * Could stabilize country * U.S. allows Madero to operate within our borders - Propagandizes and purchases arms Porfirio Diaz

Unit IV: The Mexican Revolution The role of foreign powers (especially the United States) in the outbreak and development of the Mexican Revolution; motivations, methods of intervention and contributions - 3 The short reign of Francisco Madero 1911-1913 * Madero did not provide reform and stability - Loses support of Zapata as a result * Ambassador Henry Lane Wilson - appointed by Taft December, 1909 - Feared the leftist tendencies of Madero - Presumed to help in the overthrow by Huerta Ambassador Henry Lane Wilson appointed Ambassador to Mexico by President Taft on 21 December, 1909 (Mexico under Diaz at the time) Feared the leftist tendencies of the new federal government of Madero Remember U.S. enjoyed cheap Mexican labor due in part to suppression of labor unions Not to mention Madero did not provide the reform and stability U.S. hoped for Zapata broke and created Plan of Ayala in response to Madero not enacted land reform Assumed the role of catalyst for the plot of General Victoriano Huerta, against President Madero Without the approval of U.S. President-elect Woodrow Wilson, who was horrified at the murder of Madero and made it a priority to destabilize the Huerta regime. Purported to have assisted in arranging the murder of Madero and his vice-president - Later disputed by Wilson - Filed a 350,000 lawsuit against Norman Hapgood (publisher of Harpers weekly) who published claims vi. President Woodrow Wilson dismissed Henry Lane Wilson replaces him with John Lind, the former governor of Minnesota, and on 17 July, 1913 * Madero assassinated By Huerta * Woodrow Wilson replaces Ambassador Wilson - priority to destabilize Huerta regime - Remember Moral Diplomacy Francisco I. Madero

Unit IV: The Mexican Revolution The role of foreign powers (especially the United States) in the outbreak and development of the Mexican Revolution; motivations, methods of intervention and contributions -4 US Intervention * Wilson refuses to recognize Huerta regime - Illegal government - Huerta won’t be able to stabilize Mexico, protect US interests * Huerta suspends payments of foreign debt * Wilson provides arms to Carranza * German supplying arms to Huerta US Intervention Wilson becomes President 1913: refuses to acknowledge Huerta regime. Illegal government Huerta won’t be able to stabilize Mexico, protect US interests Use Panama Canal as leverage to get Brits to withdraw support from H. Huerta suspends interests payments on national debt -> creditors wanting to seize assets Wilson decides force is necessary, gets assurances from Carranza’s agent that he will respect foreign property rights. Wilson starts supplying arms. Wilson also states that he will “…teach the South American republics to elect good men,” U.S. agents discovered that the German merchant ship Ypiranga was illegally carrying arms to the dictator Huerta, President Wilson ordered troops to the port of Veracruz to stop the ship from docking U.S. ships were also in the area to protect U.S. citizens and investments due to the unrest of the Revolution The Tampico Affair - April 9th, 1914 Arrest of US soldiers on leave -> US demands apology and disavowal of action, harsh punishment, and 21 gun salute to US flag. Huerta refuses. - Wilson ordered troops to the port of Veracruz to stop the ship from docking - U.S. ships already in the area * The Tampico Affair April 9th, 1914 Victoriano Huerta *April 14th Wilson orders Atlantic Fleet to Veracruz

Unit IV: The Mexican Revolution The role of foreign powers (especially the United States) in the outbreak and development of the Mexican Revolution; motivations, methods of intervention and contributions - 5 US Intervention * April 21, 1914 US attacks - anti US sentiment grows - Carranza denounced US action * Argentina, Brazil and Chile mediate (ABC Powers) conference at Niagara - Carranza refuses to recognize mediation * Obregon, Villa, Zapata, Carranza continue fight against Huerta The Tampico Affair - April 9th, 1914 Arrest of US soldiers on leave -> US demands apology and disavowal of action, harsh punishment, and 21 gun salute to US flag. Huerta refuses. April 21, 1914 US attacks Veracruz -> anti US sentiment, Carranza denounced US action and demanded immediate evacuation of US troops Wilson holds conference at Niagara to get Argentina, Brazil and Chile to mediate (ABC Powers). Hopes to overthrow Huerta and put Carranza in as provisional president. Carranza refuses to recognize mediation. Mexico will fix own problems. Armies on the Move: Huerta leaves for Europe July 15. Obregon takes Mexico City Aug. 15th. US evacuates Veracruz Nov. 1914. Carranza would not accept US demands despite threats. - Wilson continues to supply arms * Huerta leaves for Europe July 15. Obregon takes Mexico City Aug. 15th. Victoriano Huerta * Carranza becomes president shortly after * US leaves Veracruz Nov. 1914

Fighting amongst Revolutionaries Unit IV: The Mexican Revolution The role of foreign powers (especially the United States) in the outbreak and development of the Mexican Revolution; motivations, methods of intervention and contributions - 6 Fighting amongst Revolutionaries * Conflicts between Villa and Carranza * Zapata refused to recognize Carranza as leader * October 1914 Convention of Aguascalientes * Villa and Zapata occupy capital * Carranza adopts reforms Fighting amongst Revolutionaries Conflicts between Villa and Carranza because of failure to define agrarian, political, and church issues. Lack of trust. Break with Zapata: refused to recognize Carranza’s supremacy and says Plan of Ayala must triumph. October 1914 Convention to smooth out conflicts. Zapata invited at Villistas insistence Endorsed Plan of Ayala Assumed supreme authority Called for resignation of Carranza as first chief Appt General Eulalio Gutierrez as provisional pres. (compromise) Villa named commander in chief of conventionalist army Carranza refuses to acknowledge legitimacy of convention Villa and Zapata occupy capital. Issues over creating stable gov. because right thinks land reform and radical social changes are too much, Gutierrez is secretly negotiation with Obregon, and Zapata tries to find middle ground…too little too late. In order to gain popular support, Carranza adopted program of social reform, promise agrarian reform, improved worker conditions, minimum wage reform, while simultaneously promising hacendados that they would get back land taken by revolutionaries. January 1915, Obregon’s troops hold Mexico City. Carranza is able to turn workers and peasants against each other…shifts balance of power Gutierrez defects with 10 mil pesos from treasury. Roque Gonzalez Garza named provisional pres by Conventionalists. Back and forth control of the city. April 1915 Obregon has control of city. Obregon defeats Villa using new military tactics out of Europe. Villa ends 1915 in Chihuahua with his people, defeated. Zapatistas chased into Morelos, devastation and plunder 1915, Woodrow Wilson acknowledges Carranza’s ascendancy. De facto recognition, arms embargo against his enemies. US tries to make Carranza let them determine Mexico’s foreign policy, role of the church, elections, etc. Villa gets ticked at arms embargo…raids into Texas. General Pershing pursues Villa into Mexico. Carranza denounces this action. Pershing is unsuccessful Wilson accepts Carranza’s offer to negotiate settlement. Wilson backs away from Mexico. *Jan 1915, Obregon’s troops hold Mexico City * 1915, Wilson acknowledges Carranza * 1920, Does not run for re-election

Unit IV: The Mexican Revolution The role of foreign powers (especially the United States) in the outbreak and development of the Mexican Revolution; motivations, methods of intervention and contributions - 7 Obregon 1920-24 * Favors article 27 of the constitution - U.S. Pres. Warren G. Harding refused to recognize Obregon as legitimate president * Favors article 3 of the constitution Remember he supported Madero Then fought against Huerta and Supported Carranza Breaks support of Carranza Favors article 3 of the constitution Anti-clerical Also favor article 27 of the constitution – land reform As a result U.S. Pres. Warren G. Harding refused to recognize Obregon as legitimate president until Obregon backed off U.S. finally recognizes Obregon in 1923 after the Bucareli Agreement Article 27 not retroactive to holdings before 1917 constitution, which stated everything under the soil was property of the State U.S. compensation for losses during revolution   Obregon essentially forced into agreement due to coming revolt. Needed U.S. support and supplies to suppress revolt U.S. could easily shift support otherwise * U.S. finally recognizes Obregon in 1923 after the Bucareli Agreement - Article 27 not retroactive - Compensation for losses during the Revolution * Obregon essentially forced into agreement

Unit IV: The Mexican Revolution The role of foreign powers (especially the United States) in the outbreak and development of the Mexican Revolution; motivations, methods of intervention and contributions - 8 Calles 1924-1928 * Rejects Bucareli agreement * 1925 new law drafted regarding article 27 * 1926 U.S. appeared to be moving towards war * Oil Companies decrease oil production * Late 1927 U.S. negotiate an agreement Cardenas 1934 - 1940 * Favored Mexican Industry Relations under Calles 1924 – 1928 Obregon’s hand-picked successor – remember new constitution prevented multiple terms Continues many of the same policies of Obregon Calles reject Bucareli agreement – begins drafting new oil law that would strickly enforce article 27 1925 Mexican congress drafted a new law requiring Oil companies to exchange their titles for 50 year concessions dated from time of acquisition, with the possibility of a 30 year extension Law really didn’t weaken Oil companies, rather it provided more security from the vagueness of article 27 Despite this, by late 1926 U.S. appeared to be moving towards war with Mexico as a reaction to new law Foreign Oil Companies decreased oil production which meant a decrease in oil duties going to Mexico Had been 1/3 of Mexican gov’t revenues in 1926, fell to 1/8 in 1927 Companies also pulled money out of Mexican Banks which devalued the peso Oil represented 70% of Mexican Exports Sept. 1927 This pressure helped the U.S. negotiate an agreement that lifted the time constraints of the concessions but kept the rest of the law in place – ownership was still that of the State Cardenas 1934-1940   Favored Mexican Industry 1937 – Labor disputes broke out between unions and U.S. and British Oil companies March 1938 Cardenas steps in and expropriates the land, in other words confiscating the oil properties, and Nationalizes the oil industry in Mexico U.S. and British enact Economic sanctions Mexico is able to survive the sanctions and the date is celebrated by Mexicans as marking their economic independence * 1937 – Labor disputes Plutarco Elias Calles * March 1938 expropriates oil properties * U.S. and British enact Economic sanctions Lazaro Cardenas