Chapter 11 Section 4 Conflict With Mexico

Mexico under Diaz Mexico was in a poor state after almost 66 years of war and unrest when Mexican president Porfirio Diaz came into power in 1877 Diaz’s first goal was to establish order, which he did by crushing or controlling his opponents Impressed with Diaz’s success foreign investors poured millions of dollars into building Mexico’s industries. Even with all the dollars pouring in Mexican workers and peasants did not see any of it and continued to live in poverty

Porfirio Diaz

The Mexican Revolution Using force and fraud Diaz won re-election Meanwhile Emiliano Zapata led a rebel army demanding land for the American Indian population a wealthy land owner named Francisco Madero sparked ideas and rallied unified the various opposing rebels This began the Mexican Revolution that brought an end to the Diaz reign Madero was easily elected president In trying to establish a democratic government Madero became overwhelmed by the forces that he had unleashed to bring down Diaz

Zapata & Madero

Continued…. Many people died until Madero’s commanding Led by Diaz’s nephew a rebellion began against Madero War broke out in Mexico city general Victoriano Huerta took control of the government, restored calm and had Madero arrested Four major revolutionary forces continued to fight Huerta However, their leaders Venustiano Carranza, Francisco “Pancho” Villa, Emilliano Zapata and Alvaro Obregon were not united

Pancho Villa (I don’t know who the other guy is)

U.S. Intervention Outraged by Madero’s murder, Woodrow Wilson refused to recognize Huerta Wilson was waiting for an excuse to drive Huerta from power Wilson got his chance when several navy crew members were arrested on the island of Tampico The Americans were quickly released unharmed and an apology was issued But Wilson asked Congress to approve the use of force against Mexico Congress approved but events in Mexico changed

The Occupation of Veracruz Before the U.S. could act, Wilson learned of a German ship carrying arms to Huerta heading to Veracruz U.S. forces stopped the ship and the marines landed at Veracruz but Huerta already vacated the city At this time Argentina, Brazil and Chile called a conference that called for Huerta’s resignation Huerta refused at first but as his enemies closed in on him, he fled to resigned and fled to Spain

The Revolution Winds Down By early 1915 Mexico was in chaos Panch Villa and Emiliano Zapita controlled almost 2/3 of the country In March Venustiano Carranza re-entered Mexico city. He promised to protect American lives and property Carranza’s general, Alvaro Obregon, defeated Villa’s troops The U.S. recognition of Carranza had upset Villa and he decided to take revenge on Americans In March 1916 Villa and his troops crossed the border into New Mexico and attacked the city of Columbia

Carranza & Obregon

Pursuing Pancho Villa Without discussion with Carranza President Wilson ordered an expedition into Mexico to capture Villa dead or alive Villa continued to elude the forces of general John J. Pershing Not wanting to risk war the President ordered troops withdrawn in 1917 With Villa in hiding and Zapata contained in the south, Carranza put a new constitution in effect The constitution placed the interests of common welfare above individual rights and protected the workers

Review Questions