The Sword of Freedom: A Mexican Revolution and WWI TL

Napoleon IV · Dec 11, 2013

Carrizal

Venustiano Carranza had enough of the Americans. First, they had invaded Veracruz and now they had decided to invade again and attack Carranza's own troops. He summoned one of his top generals, Alvaro Obregon, and asked him to read a telegram. The telegram was from Washington and it talked about the battle of Carrizal. The battle of Carrizal had been a disaster for the Americans, who had lost far more troops than they should have. President Wilson wanted Carranza to issue and apology and pay damages for the troops who were killed. Orbregon looked at Carranza and asked, “So what are you going to do?” “Well, I certainly won't pay because the Americans attacked our troops.” he responded. Ultimately Carranza not only refused to pay for the American deaths, but he also refused to apologize. The Americans were furious. War was on the horizon.

Pio2013 · Dec 11, 2013

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Napoleon IV · Dec 13, 2013

Background

The Mexican Revolution had started in 1910. Several groups had organized to overthrow Mexico's aging and corrupt president Porfirio Diaz. Several presidents followed and at one point America occupied Veracruz. The leader of Mexico by 1916 was Venustiano Carranza. Carranza styled himself as a new Benito Juarez, a man who would bring Mexico back to greatness. The man whom the Americans were hunting was Pancho Villa. Pancho Villa was an ex-bandit and a leader of the Division del Norte. He was trying to take power in Mexico. The other major faction was the Zapatistas led by Emiliano Zapata from the southern state of Morelos. Zapata was a revolutionary whose goal was land reform and better living conditions for the indigenous farmers of southern Mexico. He was an inspiring leader, but not much of a force outside of Morelos. Mexico also had anarchists and counter-revolutionaries. Repeated interventions in Mexico had made anti-American sentiment high.

Napoleon IV · Dec 19, 2013

The first shots

President Wilson was in a good mood on October 9th. The previous day the Army had started an offensive into Mexico. The Secretary of War, Newton D. Baker, walked in with a massive grin on his face. “Look at this” Baker said, handing Wilson a telegram. “JUAREZ, TIAJUANA, MEXICALI, MATAMOROS, REYNOSA SURRENDER STOP 10,000 MEXICANS CAPTURED STOP MEXICAN ARMY COMPLETELY ROUTED AND IN RETREAT STOP” Wilson smiled. “Get the Times and the Post on the phone; tell them the troops will be having Christmas dinner in Mexico City.” Wilson went to go get lunch, an uncharacteristic spring in his step. It was going to be a good day.

Napoleon IV · Dec 27, 2013

The Monterrey Campaign

Alvaro Obregon was one of Mexico's best generals. At the Battle of Celaya he proved an understanding of machine guns and heavy artillery, using these to decisively defeat Villa. When the Americans invaded he was ordered to prepare a defense at Monterrey. Two groups of Americans were marching on the city, one from Nuevo Laredo and the other from across the Rio Grande. Combined they had 75,000 men. Obregon was given a large force by Mexican standards, 50,000 men, and ordered to beat the Americans.
November 1st started the first major battle of the war. Obregon's men destroyed the road to Monterrey. The terrain was very mountainous and the Americans were forced to take the other road. Obregon's men took a hill. The American army could either take the heavily fortified hill or they could go through a nearby pass, surrounded by mountains on both sides. They chose the former and sent 10,000 men to seize the hill at 4:00 in the morning of the 1st. The generals were simply following the same rulebook that was being used in Europe. In the front line Obregon had stationed the Yaqui Indians, who, due to their wars against Porfiro Diaz, were some of his toughest troops. The first American assault was repulsed, with 500 dead and 1000 injured. The Americans bombarded the hill with their own heavy artillery. The bombardment was likened by one Mexican soldier to “being in the eye of a hurricane.”The Americans then advanced in two directions; up the hill, and to the right of the hill in an attempt to break it. This involved sending several thousand men over rough terrain. It took them almost all day and it was nearing dark by the time they reached the side of the hill. The assault began at dark. Obregon was unprepared for the flank attack. He quickly restationed the machine guns but the Americans were able to get to the top of the hill. When Obregon retreated early the next day his force had suffered 3,000 dead and 5,000 wounded, while the Americans suffered 4,000 dead and 5,025 injured.
The 2 weeks were full of brutal fighting. Obregon ordered his men to hold all ground, despite there being nothing but farmland on either front between his army and Monterrey. On November 14th the Americans entered Apodaca on the edge of Monterrey and the battle for the city began. Several hills in or around the city were heavily fortifed with men and artillery. Obregon decided that the battle had to be fought street to street. Due to casualties and the shuffling of units around the Americans had 60,000 men, twice as many as the Mexicans. The Americans to seize the hills or else many men would die due to artillery bombardment. The first hill, Cerro del Topo Chico, was assaulted on the 15th. The hill was lightly defended and seized very easily, but was bombarded heavily from the nearby Cerro de las Mitras. Several thousand Americans were then sent to Cerro de las Mitras. This hill was one of the tallest around Monterrey and the Mexicans had heavily fortified it. Having learned from their mistakes the last time the Americans decided to first surround Cerro de las Mitras, then storm it. Repeated attacks failed to drive the Mexicans out. All through this time the Mexicans shelled American positions, killing hundreds. One of the Americans who died was Colonel Douglas MacArthur. A shell tore through his group and tore his arm off. MacArthur refused medical attention and tried to save several other people, of whom 3 survived. He died of blood loss shortly thereafter. He inspired many men, including Captain Harry Truman who later said that McArthur's sacrifice motivated him to continue on in the Army.
Simultaneously General Fredrick Funston ordered an assault on the western hill of Cerro de la Sillla. Obregon realized that the hill was close to the Sierra Madre Occidental Range, which could be used for guerrilla war. He decided to move his artillery over there. The Americans seized the hill on the 17th.
By November 20th the Americans still hadn't seized Cerro de las Mitras. The rest of Monterrey was under American control but from the hill the Mexicans could bombard the entire city. At 2:00 pm and the Americans launched a final assault on the hill. Both sides fought hard but by 10:00 the next morning the Americans had taken the hill.
The Monterrey Campaign was a disaster for both sides. The Americans had suffered 12,000 killed and 14,000 wounded. The Mexicans had suffered 19,000 men killed and 20,000 wounded. The Mexicans had also lost most of their artillery and machine guns. The Americans had discovered that the Mexicans wouldn't just keel over and surrender.

King of the Uzbeks · Dec 27, 2013

So what's the POD? Because Mexico isn't sucidal enough to expect to win.

Dorozhand · Dec 27, 2013

I love seeing Mexico give the Americans a run for their money. Keep up the good work!

Dorozhand · Dec 31, 2013

You going to continue this?

Napoleon IV · Jan 2, 2014

Operation Lobster

After Matamoros the Americans under Frank Tompkins marched on Veracruz. In the west Blackjack Pershing's army began moving south towards Mazatlan and then to Morelia. The Operation was called Operation Lobster because it would capture Mexico City and the Mexican Army in between the claws of the American armies. (Although one of the planners later admitted to being hungry during the meetings) The campaign was suspended until after the election, which Wilson handily won.

On November 12th Pershing marched on the city of Cajeme. The only thing standing in his way was a small army commanded by the Villista Felipe Angeles. In the next month Angeles seemed to be everywhere. His first act was to destroy most of the roads to Cajeme. Angeles also contacted Villa and requested that he go to the Americans rear. The guerrillas were unorganized and ineffective, allowing the Americans to move virtually
unopposed.

It was December 15th when the American Army reached Cajeme. Angeles had met with Villa one day earlier to discuss strategy. Villa had declared “You must fight to the last man for Cajeme.” “But, Pancho, that would be suicide.” Angeles responded. “Did you not see what Obregon did? We must fight to equal that.” The discussion went nowhere. Angeles realized that Villa was less interested in fighting the Americans and more interested in what would happen after. He decided that Villa was not
thinking clearly and he withdrew to Navojao to regroup.

In the east things were going less smoothly for the Americans. It was the result of General Frank Tompkins decision to split his army. In theory one half would keep marching to Tampico and the other would march to Ciudad Victoria. The Ciudad Victoria half would then march to Tampico to help take the city. The Mexicans had caught on to the plan and moved
several machine guns and small artillery pieces to Ciudad Victoria. They mounted the guns on the hills around the city. When the Americans attacked The Battle of Monterrey was repeated.

The attack began at dawn on the 20th. The Mexicans put up little fight to the Americans taking the actual city. It was, as one American recalled, “strangely easy.” Once the Americans had reached the town square the firing started. Artillery fire ripped through the town, killing men and destroying buildings. The Army marched on the hills, while all the while men were killed. Once they neared the hills the Mexican machine guns opened fire and mowed down hundreds. Unbeknownst to the Americans Mexican soldiers were hiding in houses and ruins to their rear. After the 2nd assault on the hills these soldiers in the houses began sniping at the Americans. The Americans were forced into brutal house to house fighting. Several groups of Americans were surrounded and killed.. After 4 days of heavy fighting the Americans pulled out of Ciudad Victoria. They had lost 15,000 men while the Mexicans had lost only 5,000. This was one of the only battles that the Mexican Army won.

After the battle the survivors moved to meet with the other half of the Army. This gave the Mexicans an opportunity to move some of their artillery and machine guns to Tampico. On December 28th General Tompkins ordered the attack. The first wave of Americans followed the familiar pattern for attackers with one notable exception, they managed to seize the outskirts of the town. After they seized the town the Americans first encountered the Tampico Sunrise. A Mexican private, Eduardo Serrillo, had run out of ammunition. He was hiding in a local bar when he stumbled upon an empty tequila bottle. Serrillo ripped off a piece of his uniform, found some gasoline and tequila, soaked the rag in it, and stuffed it in the bottle. He then ran out of the bar and chucked it at a group of Americans, then surrendered. The origins of the name are unclear, but the generally accepted theory is that it is a play on the name of a popular drink. The Veracruz Sunrise was a mixture of rum, bourbon, and tequila. The drinks were promoted at bars with the slogan “Drink Veracruz Sunrise and enjoy what our troops will be drinking at Christmas.” The troops named the new weapon to mock the the overly optimistic war predictions.

The Mexicans retreated after 3 days of fighting. The Americans had won but with 10,000 more casualties.

On another note: does anyone know how to make maps?

Napoleon IV · Jan 6, 2014

Foreign Intervention

Demetrio Castillo Duany was sitting in his office when Major Joaquin Terrano came to meet him. “Hello Mr. Terrano, I suspect you are curious about why I called you in.” the old Cuban revolutionary said. Terrano nodded and Duany continued “I have organized 1,800 men to go to Guatemala to train and from there to Mexico to fight the Americans. I have been told that you are one of the best young officers in our army. I want you to lead the Batallon de Libertad {Freedom Brigade}.” Terrano decided to join. The first Cuban troops arrived in Mexico on February 15th 1917.

The Cubans inspired many other actions. The United States had up to this point invaded several of the countries in Latin America and was occupying the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Cuba, the Panama Canal, and Haiti. Many people in these countries were fighting guerrilla wars against the Americans and saw Mexico as a place to stop American imperialism. Hundreds of delegates from all over Latin America met in the Bolivian city of La Paz. The La Paz declaration was passed on March 8th and declared “It is the moral imperative of the people of Latin America to fight American imperialism and defend the independence of our Mexican brothers.”

The foreign troops began to enlist immediately. On a governmental level both the Colombian and Guatemalan armies sent a division apiece. A Nicaraguan youth, Augusto Cesar Sandino, organized two battalions of men to go to Mexico. The South Americans came in large numbers, as evidenced by the number of Simon Bolivar Battalions. By November 1917 there were 3 divisions of foreigners in Mexico.

Deckhand · Jan 7, 2014

Napoleon IV said:
Foreign Intervention
Demetrio Castillo Duany was sitting in his office when Major Joaquin Terrano came to meet him. “Hello Mr. Terrano, I suspect you are curious about why I called you in.” the old Cuban revolutionary said. Terrano nodded and Duany continued “I have organized 1,800 men to go to Guatemala to train and from there to Mexico to fight the Americans. I have been told that you are one of the best young officers in our army. I want you to lead the Batallon de Libertad {Freedom Brigade}.” Terrano decided to join. The first Cuban troops arrived in Mexico on February 15th 1917.

The Cubans inspired many other actions. The United States had up to this point invaded several of the countries in Latin America and was occupying the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Cuba, the Panama Canal, and Haiti. Many people in these countries were fighting guerrilla wars against the Americans and saw Mexico as a place to stop American imperialism. Hundreds of delegates from all over Latin America met in the Bolivian city of La Paz. The La Paz declaration was passed on March 8th and declared “It is the moral imperative of the people of Latin America to fight American imperialism and defend the independence of our Mexican brothers.”

The foreign troops began to enlist immediately. On a governmental level both the Colombian and Guatemalan armies sent a division apiece. A Nicaraguan youth, Augusto Cesar Sandino, organized two battalions of men to go to Mexico. The South Americans came in large numbers, as evidenced by the number of Simon Bolivar Battalions. By August 1917 there were 3 divisions of foreigners in Mexico.
Germany also helped the Mexicans. Germany realized that Mexico kept the Americans out of the Great War. Germany also produced far more weapons then they needed. The German ambassador to Mexico, Heinrich Von Eckardt, signed a deal with Carranza granting the Mexicans millions of dollars worth of credit to buy weapons. The Germans got around the British blockade of their country by setting up shell companies in Denmark and Norway. The Brazilians would then order weapons from these companies, and when the weapons arrived they would smuggle them to Mexico. By the middle of 1917 many Mexicans were armed with German weapons.

Ok, much of this timeline stretches plausibility, but Germany did not produce more weapons than they needed during the Great War, and Neutral ships were required by the British to be inspected before leaving the north sea. There is zero chance of German weapons getting to Mexico.

Napoleon IV · Jan 7, 2014

Deckhand said:
Ok, much of this timeline stretches plausibility, but Germany did not produce more weapons than they needed during the Great War, and Neutral ships were required by the British to be inspected before leaving the north sea. There is zero chance of German weapons getting to Mexico.

Ok, thank you. I thought I read somewhere that the Germans produced far more weapons than they needed, but I could be wrong. I had no idea about the neutral ships inspections. I am going to retcon that part.

Napoleon IV · Jan 13, 2014

Navojoa and Culican

1917 was only 4 days old when the Pershing launched his attack on Navojoa. He would have launched it earlier, but guerrilla activity had made it difficult to get supplies for his army. Angeles had built up his defenses on the southern bank of the Mayo River. He had destroyed several bridges in the days leading up to the attack.

Pershing had divided his troops in half, with half launching an assault directly across the river from the town and the other half moving several miles west to try to ford the river at Navolato. Guerrillas had seen the Navolato force, thus ruining the element of surprise and allowing Angeles to move 12,000 men there. The riverbed was dry this time of year around Navolato, making it an useable, if makeshift trench. While on the march to Navojao a new tactic emerged, thanks to George Patton, now a Captain. Patton had worked with the cavalry and had even made a saber for them. He realized that cavalry rifles were shorter and thus more maneuverable than infantry rifles. Patton requested that Pershing try a new strategy: organize his best troops into companies and arm them with cavalry rifles and grenades. Then, identify the weak points on the Mexican line and send the companies at them; all the while bombarding all of the Mexican lines. Finally, the regular troops would storm in to support them. Pershing gave his permission and let Patton lead the newly formed First Assault Brigade.

On January 6th the attack began. The Americans spent 20 hours pounding the Mexican lines and on the morning of the 7th the assault companies attacked. They crawled to avoid machine gun fire until they reached the trenches. Once there they stood up and began shooting and throwing grenades. They entered the trenches and the fighting began a series of hand to hand skirmishes. Shortly afterwards the rest of the army attacked the Mexican trenches. They had little trouble breaking the Mexican lines since the shelling had also destroyed the Mexican communications and the bombardment had weakened them and their morale. The Mexicans now routed, some fighting to the bitter end, some fleeing for their lives, and others simply surrendering. By the end of the day the Americans had reached the outskirts of Navojoa and killed wounded or captured 8,000 Mexicans.
Pershing had expected the battle to be bloody, as he had to ford a river while being shot by Mexican troops. But the victory at Navolato allowed him to attack the town from the side. Patton received a citation and the Americans set about improving the tactics.

After his victory Pershing reorganized and marched towards Culican. Angeles had lost 15,000 men during the Battle of Navajoa and he ordered the remaining 10,000 to break up into a guerrilla force. This gave Pershing the ability to march virtually unopposed toward Culican, his only real enemy being guerrillas and supply problems. Culican was taken after a small fight on March 19th.

Deckhand · Jan 13, 2014

Napoleon IV said:
Ok, thank you. I thought I read somewhere that the Germans produced far more weapons than they needed, but I could be wrong. I had no idea about the neutral ships inspections. I am going to retcon that part.

Although it is plausible that the Germans might try, and the British let it go and tip the Americans off. Diplomatic stupidity was sort of endemic to Germany at this time

Blackfox5 · Jan 13, 2014

The war would likely be over by 1917, or at least be very, very different. Since the POD is sometime in 1914, this is a very long time for the US and Mexico to be at war.

Mexico lacks the industry to supply itself with weapons which means Mexican resistance will collapse into small scale irregular and guerilla warfare long before now. A US blockade will eliminate almost any gun running.

Without support and recognition from the US, Carranza's government would not last long. Carranza has multiple rivals, any number of which would be willing to either defect to the US outright or at least not resist so they can become the government later. The northern revolutionaries have incomes very dependant on the US Market, and Zapata really only cares about land reform.

If Carranza moved against the US, there is a very high chance that Pancho Villa will de facto ally with the US, even if he never does it formally because of the opinion of Mexican nationalists. Hell, if the US even announces any support for the Plan Ayala, then Zapata might even join the US de facto. Even if he didn't, he likely expands in the power vaccum as Carranza destroys his forces in warfare against the US.

Both Villa and Zapata feared Carranza intended to become a dictator. A US statement in support for "democracy" is probably all that is needed to arrange cooperation between a Villa-Zapata front with the US army.

What exactly is the US war aim anyway? It's very important to determine US strategy and how the other factions of the Mexican Revolution reacts. It's probably not annexation of any land, so it's probably to avenge the attack on US forces and install a friendly government.

None of the battles of the Mexican Revolution are of the size or casualties you are using. Your description of the Monterey Campaign alone would probably result in the destruction of Carranza's army and the fall of his government, and a political crisis in the United States.

Napoleon IV · Jan 14, 2014

Blackfox5 said:
The war would likely be over by 1917, or at least be very, very different. Since the POD is sometime in 1914, this is a very long time for the US and Mexico to be at war.

Mexico lacks the industry to supply itself with weapons which means Mexican resistance will collapse into small scale irregular and guerilla warfare long before now. A US blockade will eliminate almost any gun running.

Without support and recognition from the US, Carranza's government would not last long. Carranza has multiple rivals, any number of which would be willing to either defect to the US outright or at least not resist so they can become the government later. The northern revolutionaries have incomes very dependant on the US Market, and Zapata really only cares about land reform.

If Carranza moved against the US, there is a very high chance that Pancho Villa will de facto ally with the US, even if he never does it formally because of the opinion of Mexican nationalists. Hell, if the US even announces any support for the Plan Ayala, then Zapata might even join the US de facto. Even if he didn't, he likely expands in the power vaccum as Carranza destroys his forces in warfare against the US.

Both Villa and Zapata feared Carranza intended to become a dictator. A US statement in support for "democracy" is probably all that is needed to arrange cooperation between a Villa-Zapata front with the US army.

What exactly is the US war aim anyway? It's very important to determine US strategy and how the other factions of the Mexican Revolution reacts. It's probably not annexation of any land, so it's probably to avenge the attack on US forces and install a friendly government.

None of the battles of the Mexican Revolution are of the size or casualties you are using. Your description of the Monterey Campaign alone would probably result in the destruction of Carranza's army and the fall of his government, and a political crisis in the United States.

Thanks for the feedback. I agree about the casualties and will try to make them smaller in the future and make truly massive battles have huge consequences. Also Carranza isn't going to be around much longer.

That said I disagree with you on some points:

The POD is actually in 1916 during the Pancho Villa expedition. Villa had earlier attacked the town of Columbus and the US was now hunting him. The Battle of Carrizal occurred when they attacked some Carrancista troops, thinking they were Villistas. Even if Villa wanted to help the United States they would never be able personally or politically to make an alliance with him.

The United States had intervened in Mexico and other Latin American countries and were very unpopular. They often had some excuse: in Haiti it was to restore peace and order for example. Many people in Latin America knew that the real reason was to assert US power and influence. Zapata would grow stronger but would not support the United States, who went into several countries for United Fruit and other large corporations. Some people would try to collaborate but not anyone like Zapata, Obregon, Villa, or other major figures.

DG Valdron · Jan 14, 2014

Do the timeline you want to do. Research, and research hard, but follow your own star.

Napoleon IV · Jan 18, 2014

Operation Hammer

The Americans decided to change Operation Lobster, after realizing that the operation could last till 1919. They decided to launch an attack on Veracruz and from there seize Puebla, a route used by many invaders over the past 400 years. The Americans had not planned on attacking Veracruz, thinking the war would end quickly. Once it became clear that it wouldn't the Americans still didn't act. Amphibious assaults are harder than land assaults and the Americans feared massive casualties. General Leonard Wood was the one who persuaded the American commanders to attack Veracruz. The Mexicans figured the Americans would attack at the beginning of the war and sent thousands of troops there. After a while Veracruz became a secondary priority. Men and material were moved north and by March 28th (the invasion day) there were only 25,000 Mexican soldiers in Veracruz. Most units were at half strength, and some were at as little as one third the strength. 1 in every 12 artillery pieces was a Quaker Gun. The American planners figured it would take 4-12 days to take Veracruz. The operation was called Operation Hammer.

On March 28th several American ships arrived in Veracruz. North of the city some 30,000 troops landed. Only 14,000 Mexicans were sent to fight them. For the Mexicans it was a terrible ordeal. The American artillery tore massive holes in their lines. After a while the Americans noticed that the Mexican artillery wasn't firing back at them and they decided to charge. The Mexicans fled and were quickly surrounded.

In the Bay of Veracruz the Americans stopped their ships. The guns of the ships were trained on the city and began firing. The Mexican artillery near the bay were destroyed and the city was turned into a burnt out wreck while the rest of the Mexican guns fired impotently. 10,000 troops, led by the Marines and commanded by General Leonard Wood, landed at dusk. The Mexicans tried fighting street to street, but were pushed back. The Americans to the north also neared the city. The Mexican attack turned into a route and only 2,000 Mexicans escaped.

Since the Mexican Army in Veracruz was virtually destroyed the Americans were able to capture areas as fast as they were able to march. By April 21st the Americans had captured Cordoba and Orizaba and were moving on Puebla. The port of Veracruz had been destroyed by the Mexicans and thus it was difficult to get supplies for the army and the advance stalled. This allowed the Mexicans to move 35,000 men under General Adolfo de la Huerta to Puebla.

The defeats of the past year had not been very good for Carranza. The defeats had horribly damaged the Mexican Army and he was very unpopular in Mexico. On April 28th de la Huerta, Obregon, and Pablo Gonzalez Garza announced that they would no longer fight unless Carranza left office. Carranza tried to arrest Obregon, but that failed and the garrison in Mexico City arrested Carranza. He was allowed to leave the country for Costa Rica, which later proved to be a major mistake.
Once the Americans got supplies the campaign started again. Despite the Mexicans' best efforts the Americans were able to reach the outskirts of Puebla by May 30th. The Mexicans still held the volcanic mountain La Malinche. From there the Mexicans were able to shell the American lines and make any entry into Puebla costly. On May 2nd the Americans seized the foothills near the settlement and tried to attack. It was raining heavily and the Americans struggled through the mud. Artillery shells screamed through the sky at all hours and killed many Americans. Try as they might the Americans could not break the Mexican lines.

General Wood recognized that the Americans might not be able to conquer La Malinche so he decided to take Puebla. On May 12th the army was divided into 3 parts, one to take the town, the other to attack La Malinche as a distraction, and a small force to go around the mountain and take Tlaxcala. A massive artillery barrage preceded the attack on Puebla. The first Americans to arrive in the city met some snipers and light machine guns, which killed 30 of them. “This,” one Marine recalled, “made it personal for some reason.” The enraged Americans stormed through the city, shooting up every building and breaking the Mexican defenses. Surrounded Mexicans fought desperately, in some cases holding off forces three times their size for several hours. In the fury a house caught fire, which quickly spread throughout Puebla. In the inferno de la Huerta was unable to move out of the city and was surrounded by the Americans. After he was surrounded de la Huerta decided to go out in a blaze of glory; he charged the American troops and was riddled with bullets.

Lt. Colonel Ted Roosevelt (son of the President) led the attack on Tlaxcala. He and 2,000 men moved around the mountain and reached Tlaxcala at dusk on the 14th. 2,000 Mexicans were also in Tlaxcala. The fighting was quick, with the Americans charging and breaking the through the Mexican line. As the Mexicans retreated Roosevelt charged with his men and chased them down. Some Mexicans were cornered and decided to fight, with one of them shooting and killing Roosevelt. (Two Roosevelt children were killed: his brother Archibald had been killed in Tampico)

Once Puebla fell the Mexican troops on La Malinche panicked. Their avenues of escape were almost completely cut off and they were running out of artillery shells. On the 16th the American army launched another attack. The Mexicans simply broke and ran, routing off the hills. Most were caught and forced to surrender and all of their machine guns and artillery were captured.

Napoleon IV · Jan 23, 2014

Los Montaneros

As the war went on Villa proved difficult to capture. In 1916 and early 1917 the American victories had damaged Villa's army and he was driven into the Sierra Madre Mountains. The Sierra Madres were some of the most difficult in North America. There were actually several Sierra Madre Ranges. One was in the west, near the Pacific, one was in the east by the Gulf of Mexico, and the last one was in Oaxaca in the south. Villa was in the eastern and western ranges.

In addition to the roughness of the terrain the area was almost a complete unknown to the Americans. They had no good maps of the area and could not count on guides. Villa hid and began to rebuild his force. By March, 1917 Villa's forces were ready to start fighting the Americans. His forces were often called “Villistas” by the Americans but the locals in northern Mexico called them “Los Montaneros” (roughly translated as
mountain men or hill men).

Engineers were an important, if underrated, part of the war effort. Mexico never had very good roads, and when the Americans invaded the retreating Mexican armies destroyed as many roads as they could. In addition almost all of the railways in Mexico were torn to pieces. Early in the war the American blockade had made the Mexican ports inactive and all of them were ordered destroyed. This meant that the engineers were necessary to keep supplies moving. Villa knew this and began attacking engineers, killing or wounding 150 of them by August.

Until August the guerrilla war was very low key. Then the Montaneros launched their first train robbery. The Americans had built a railway from Reynosa to Ciudad Valles. On August 28th an armored train carrying food, clothes, shoes, and other supplies was traveling on the railway. At dusk, outside of Santander Jimenez the scouting cavalry were attacked by several Montaneros. After a half hour the battle wound down, but another group of Montaneros had placed dynamite on the tracks and blew it up. The cavalry rode back, but were cut off and destroyed by more Montaneros when they got there. The Montaneros then stormed in the train, killed everyone on board, and stole all they could carry. After this
they burned the rest of the cargo.

On September 1st 500 Montaneros crossed the border and arrived in the town of Van Horn, Texas. The 15 Texas Rangers in the town were not enough to resist them and the town was left wide open. For hours the Mexicans ran wild through the streets, burning the town and slaughtering the citizens. The Montaneros appeared two days later in the nearby town of Alpine. A garrison of 100 Texas Rangers and 450 soldiers managed to save the town.

The day after the Van Horn Raid pictures of burned out houses and bodies scattered around the ruins ran on the front page of every major paper. The American people had been wavering in their support of the war, but the raid outraged the Americans and reminded them what they were fighting against. President Wilson ordered 150,000 men to capture destroy the Montaneros and kill Villa.

The Second Villa Expedition lasted from September 1917 to January 1918. In multiple battles the Americans crushed the Montanero forces. Villa decided to simply retreat and retreat, wearing the Americans down. Once the Americans reached a village and left guerrillas would come back out and continue to attack. The Americans picked up on this and soon all able bodied men and women in captured villages were classified as POWs and arrested. This turned the villagers even more against the Americans and helped give Villa more recruits. Villa knew the terrain too well and couldn't be caught and the Americans eventually gave up, while taking 3,500 casualties.

Russiantankcommand · Jan 23, 2014

This is quite onteresting. Keep it up!