The Mexican Problem

A series of revolutions in Mexico, beginning in 1910, caused concern because of United States business interests in that country. Relations became especially strained after Victoriano Huerta seized power in 1913 and President Wilson refused to recognize his government because he felt it was an oppressive regime.

In 1914 United States forces temporarily occupied Veracruz, Mexico, following an incident involving the arrests of American citizens there. The dispute was arbitrated and war was averted. In 1916, troops under General John J. Pershing crossed the Mexican can border in an unsuccessful effort to capture Pancho Villa, a revolutionary, whose followers had raided Columbus, New Mexico. Although there was no further military action, relations remained strained until the early 1920's.