Carranza (1914-1920)

In 1914, Venustiano Carranza seized power, much to the dismay of Villa and Zapata, who in turn staged a siege on Mexico City. The armies were cruel to the citizens of the city, and the popularity of the revolutionaries lessened, resulting in their expulsion.

Villa, Carranza, and Obregon participated in a series of bloody skirmishes, the most important being the Battle of Ceyala, from which Carranza emerged victoriously. Shortly after, the United States officially recognized Carranza as leader of Mexico. Villa, infuriated and seeking revenge, attacked Columbus, New Mexico. Worthless ammunition had been sold to Villa from Columbus, and it was this blunder that cost Villa the victory at the Battle of Ceyala. Eighteen Americans and ninety of Villa's own soldiers paid for his rage. The United States pursued Villa for nearly a year after the violation, though the chase was futile. He ended the fighting in 1920, after making a deal with Obregon, who had become a supporter of Carranza. Villa was assassinated in 1923 after he broke the agreement.

Despite opposition from other revolutionaries, Carranza was elected president in 1917. He created the Constitution of 1917, which included the ideas of peasants and assembled social reforms never made by Diaz. However, he was never able to implement all of the reforms mentioned in the constitution, as he was assassinated by Obregon, whom he had appointed as his commander-in-chief. Though his term was cut short, he was able to make social reforms that bettered the position of women. He depended on his secretary Hermila Galindo de Topete to gain the support of the marginalized and to set an example for women around the country.

Wikipedia. "Mexican Revolution." Wikipedia. Wikpedia, 23 Apr. 2010. Web. 25 Apr.
2010. .