The US Invasion of Veracruz, Mexico (1914)
A forgotten military adventure
Sixty-five years after the conclusion of the Mexican-American War, a flotilla of American ships surrounded the important port city of Veracruz. Their goal, initially, was to seize the docks and the customs house. After a sharp fight, 6,000 American soldiers unloaded from the ships and marched into Veracruz. The city would be occupied by the United States for over six months during the turbulent Mexican Revolution.
Most people remember the Mexican-American War, but few people remember the United States’ occupation of Veracruz. The reasons behind the occupation are both flimsy and indicative of the times. The Mexican Revolution was a chaotic mess, and Mexican-American relations were frosty. The whole incident unfolded after a zealous American ambassador used his influence to install the man he thought would be the best leader for the United States in Mexico. The result was the rise of General Victoriano Huerta and months of unrest.
A Problematic Leader
Despite being supported by the American ambassador to Mexico, President Wilson quickly withdrew his support for General Victoriano Huerta. The regime was seen as illegitimate, and Huerta’s election was deemed crooked. As a result, President Wilson imposed an arms embargo on Mexico…
