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Dictator Porfirio Díaz ruled Mexico for most of the period from 1877 to 1910. He brought stability to Mexico but jailed his opponents and did not allow freedom of the press. He received foreign investment money, used to modernize Mexico. However, most Mexicans did not enjoy the benefits of this modernization and lived in poverty.
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In the 1910 election, Díaz jailed his opponent, Francisco Madero. He also controlled the outcome of the election. When ballots were counted, he received a million votes while Madero had fewer than 200. When released from jail in September 1910, Madero fled to Texas, declared himself the Mexican president, and called for a revolution.
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In the south, Emiliano Zapata seized land by force because he wanted land returned to the native peoples. In the north, Francisco “Pancho” Villa and Pascual Orozco led a revolt against Díaz.
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"Pancho" Villa's rebellion spreads and forces Diaz to resign as President and Diaz flees to France.
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Madero tries to establish a democratic government in Mexico.
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Four armies then rose up against Huerta, continuing the instability in the region. Many countries recognized Huerta as President, however President Woodrow Wilson did not. He saw him as an assasin.
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In April 9, 1914, nine U.S. soldiers were arrested, and quickly released, by soldiers of Huerta. Mexican officials also apologized. However, the U.S. demanded a more formal apology and a salute to the American flag. Huerta refused. Congress approved a request by President Wilson to use force against Mexico on April 22.
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While Congress approved the use of force, a German ship loaded with weapons was heading to the Mexican port city of Veracruz. Wilson ordered the U.S. Navy to seize the city. 17 Americans and 300 Mexicans died during the Battle of Veracruz. The city was occupied for the next six months. War was avoided due to mediation by Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. Huerta struggled to stay in power. Pressure mounted against him within Mexico and beyond.
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After being called to resign by the US in June, Huerta flees to Spain.
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A power struggle between Carranza and Pancho Villa begins. The US fears Villa and his land distribution policy, so the US backs Carranza.
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Because Wilson supported Carranza, Villa led hundreds of troops to New Mexico, striking the small town of Columbus. The town was burned, and 17 Americans were killed. It marked the first armed invasion of the continental United States since the War of 1812.
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President Wilson ordered General John J. Pershing to lead more than 10,000 troops into Mexico to search for Villa. They searched for 11 months, but were not able to find him. The search was called off and troops taken out of Mexico; nevertheless, relations between Mexico and the United States were strained.
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Carranza put a new constitution into effect on February 5, 1917. Fighting in Mexico continued until 1920, however, and many Mexicans immigrated to the United States in search of a more stable life.
