Why did President Wilson choose to intervene in Mexico in 1914?

In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson chose to intervene in Mexico primarily to overthrow General Victoriano Huerta, who had come to power through a coup and established a dictatorship. Wilson was motivated by his belief in promoting democratic governance and opposing oppressive regimes. Huerta’s government was seen as illegitimate and brutal, and Wilson’s intervention was a reflection of his moral diplomacy, which emphasized supporting democratic governments over tyrannical ones.

Wilson hoped that by supporting Mexican revolutionary leaders such as Venustiano Carranza, he could help restore a more democratic government to Mexico, aligning with his vision for the Western Hemisphere. This action was also intended to stabilize the region, as ongoing unrest in Mexico had the potential to affect U.S. interests and security, especially with the rising tensions preceding World War I.

In this context, while the goal of promoting democracy and increasing U.S. influence could be secondary motivations, the direct action Wilson took was aimed specifically at the removal of Huerta from power, making it the primary reason for intervention.