US Intervenes in Mexico

US Troops

The United States intervened in the Mexican Civil War. The United States intervened decisively on the side of General Obregon. Because of American force, Mexican President Victoriano Huerta was forced to surrender.


In 1911, a revolution occurred in Mexico that overthrew the Mexican dictator. The revolution was led by a young reformer named Francisco Madero. Madero was betrayed by one of his generals, Victoriano Huerta, who led a counterrevolution and then executed Madero, an act that shocked most Americans.

The United States refused to recognize the government led by Huerta. It then attempted to exert all possible influence on Mexico to convince Huerta to resign. A civil war broke out when General Venustiano Carranza, a follower of Madero, began a new revolt in the North.

When the Mexican troops arrested an American officer in Mexico, the US demanded an apology and a salute. The Mexicans refused, and the United States responded by seizing the customs house at Veracruz in a pitched battle in which 400 Mexicans were killed.

Ultimately, the other South American states offered to mediate, an offer that the US accepted. It was not long, however, before Huerta was forced from power.