Question

To what extent was American involvement in Mexico consistent with a neutral foreign policy?

Answer 1

To what extent was American involvement in Mexico consistent with a neutral foreign policy? The American involvement in Mexico was not consistent with a neutral foreign policy in any conceivable sense. Woodrow Wilson, besides his pacifist ideals, refused to recognize any government that used force to  gain power, the recent political scenario of Mexico. General Victoriano Huerta, assumed power in Mexico in 1913  and after revolutionary revolts. After a conflict between American sailors and Mexican officials, Wilson stormed the city of Veracruz with 6 thousands US marines. They occupied the city at a cost of nineteen American  lives and at least two hundred Mexicans were killed.

Why did Wilson contradict his beliefs with his actions? Because he believed in an idealistic diplomacy where he saw himself as a man of providential destiny who would help create a new world governed by morality and idealism rather than selfish national interests.  The result, the invasion of Mexico, had no connection with such idealistic ideals.

Why did Wilson give up on finding Pancho Villa? Because they had no luck on finding him after nearly a year of chase. After a rampage of Pancho Villa in Columbus, New Mexico,  where he burned the town, and killed seventeen Americans, men and women, Woodrow Wilson abandoned his policy of “watchful waiting.” He sent General  John J. Pershing across the Mexican border with a force of eleven thousand  U.S. soldiers. For nearly a year, Pershing’s troops chased Villa through  northern Mexico. They had no luck and were ordered home in 1917.