Foreign oil companies felt threatened by the new constitution, which empowered the Mexican government to expropriate natural resources deemed vital to the nation.
Mexico was in constant threat of being invaded by the U.S., which wanted to take control of Tehuantepec Isthmus and Tampico oil fields.
The war disrupted global commerce, with British and German naval blockades affecting Mexico’s ability to trade with these countries.
[citation needed] Mexico’s trade with France was smaller but still significant, consisting mostly of coffee, fruits, and minerals.
As Germany was blocked from direct trade with Mexico, some German goods were rerouted through Spain, often disguised as coming from neutral countries.
About 45% of the decline in Mexico’s exports was directly due to the war, while the other 55% was a result of domestic factors, such as the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution.
However, a temporary boom in exports of raw materials, including silver, copper, and oil, created an appearance of economic growth.
[7] In February 1913, Victoriano Huerta had conspired with the U.S. ambassador Henry Lane Wilson to oust Francisco I. Madero from the presidency of Mexico.
President Woodrow Wilson also ordered the invasion of Veracruz in 1914, resulting in the death of 170 Mexican soldiers and an unknown number of civilians.
Villa retaliated against arms dealers in Columbus, New Mexico because he had been sold faulty weapons and powder that resulted in the death of his men in battle.
With Patton’s achievement launching to stardom, the stage was set for his involvement in fighting with General John J. Pershing on the western front in WWI.