Victoriano Huerta

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Victoriano Huerta’s Failure in Mexico


Victoriano Huerta took part in a coup de tat that put him in position as President in Mexico and he created a cruel dictatorship that led to a dark era for Mexico. Huerta was one of the worst rulers that Mexico ever saw. He did not fulfill the role of a typical President, but rather a fierce ruler who drove Mexico into the ground. While he was in power, Huerta created many enemies, including the United States, which inevitably led to his downfall and ultimately his dethronement. Huerta’s reign was short lived, only about a year and a couple months, but he initiated a time in Mexico that would be filled with struggles and an array of political leaders.
Before becoming President, Victoriano Huerta served as a general under the rule of the President of the time, Francisco Madero. Francisco Madero came to power in 1911 after he led a revolt against the presiding government in power. Madero wanted to bring democracy to Mexico; however, the United States did not believe that he could do this. Henry Lane Wilson, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, played a huge role in U.S./ Mexican relations stating, “Madero’s project of bringing democracy to Mexico was not practicable: democratic reforms could not be carried out in the social context of the poverty and illiteracy of the Mexican people.” (The United States and Mexico, p104) Madero had good intentions for Mexico, but because of numerous rebellions including Zapata and his forces, Orozco and rebellions from supporters of the old government hindered Madero from achieving his goal. Due to the commotion triggered by the rebellions, the United States government believed that Madero was unable to control the civil unrest in Mexico. The United States actually supported the overthrow of Madero. They did nothing to stop it and actually wanted Huerta to come into power; they soon regretted it though because Huerta was a terrible leader. Eventually M...