Posted by 5whitneyyy on November 24, 2009 at 1:47pm
Woodrow Wilson's "missionary diplomacy" said that the United States had the right to deny any Latin American government that was undemocratic or hostile to the U.S. interests. It pressured nations to establish democratic governments. Porfirio Diaz was a friend of the United States but was also a military dictator who ruled Mexico. Because he was our friend he encouraged foreign investments in Mexico. Because of that, Americans owned many Mexican oil wells, mines, railroads, and raches. Many people became poor because most of the land owners and politicians became rich.
Woodrow WilsonIn 1911, Fransisco Madero put an end to Porfirio Diaz' government and promised democratic beliefs. But he failed to satisfy the demands of Mexico. Later, General Victoriano Huerto took over the government. A few days later Fransisco Madero was murdered. But Woodrow Wilson refused the government that General Victoriano Huerto formed, he called it "a government of butchers." Woodrow Wilson waited for a chance to act against General Victoriano Huerto. In April 1914, one of General Victoriano Huerto's officers arrested a small group of sailors that were on Mexico's eastern shore. The Mexicans realeased them and apologized right away. But Woodrow Wilson wouldn't take the apology. He used this as an exuse to come between Mexico. He then ordered U.S. marines to occupy an important port in Mexico. 18 Americans and at least 200 Mexicans died during the invasion.That brought Mexico and the U.S. very close to war. Argentina, Brazil and Chile stepped in to settle the conflict. They suggested that General Victoriano Huerto to step down and for U.S. troops to withdraw without paying Mexico for the damages caused. Mexico rejected it and Woodrow Wilson refused to accept the government. Later the government collapsed and Venustiano Carranza created a new government. When he became president Woodrow Wilson withdrew the troops and accepted the government. Venustiano Carranza was in charge but not all Mexicans like him. Rebels who were led by Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata opposed Venustiano Carranza temorary government. They were dedicated to land reform. He offered for Americans to come run the mines in Mexico. But before they got there they took the Americans off the train and shot them to death. They also invaded Columbia, New Mexico and killed 18 Americans.
Pancho VillaThe Americans demanded revenge. They sent 15,000 troops into Mexico to capture Pancho Villa. For a year they couldn't find him so we sent 150,000 National Guardsmen along the Mexican border. Mexicans became angry about the invasion of their land. In 1926, U.S. and Carranza's army fought. Woodrow Wilson refused to withdraw troops. In the end both sides backed down. In February 1912, he ordered Pershing to return home. Mexico adopted a constitution that gave the government control of the nation's oil and mineral resources and placed strict orders on foreign investors. Later, Alvero Obregon came to power and ended the civil war.
Comments