The United States' pursuit of Pancho Villa jeopardized American security to such an extent that other threats and security breaches were ignored

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Part A:

        The actions of Francisco 'Pancho' Villa played a significant role in the rising tensions between the Mexican and American governments. This raised the question of; to what extent did the pursuit of Villa jeopardize American security? The Punitive Expedition resulted in a reduction of American military forces on the defensive front at home. It also caused the violence inflicted toward Southern American triggered by Pancho Villa. To ensure the question was answered effectively, only the time period during which Americans were dispatched, from March 1916 to May 1921 was considered. The two main books were The General and the Jaguar by Eileen Welsome and The United States and Pancho Villa by Clarence C. Clendenen. These sources were evaluated for their relevance, with explicit reference to origin, purpose, value, and limitations. The United States' pursuit of Villa jeopardized American security to such an extent that other threats and security breaches were ignored.

Part B:         

        Since the outbreak of World War One in 1914, Wilson had pursued a policy of neutrality with the support of the American public. This plan was tested by Germany's restoration of the unrestricted submarine warfare policy, which was the only method to ensure German victory, despite explicit disapproval from Americans. With the constant threat of war, the United States wanted to avoid conflict with Mexico, but Americans were calling for revenge after Villa's attack on Columbus. 

        Following Villa's raid on Columbus, there were unexpected troop movements in Sonora and the border states reported. The state department then directed the authorities and intelligence along the border to determine the status and nature of Carranza's forces. The government of Mexico was called to draw their attention toward these rumours and to express that they hoped all available troops would be in pursuit of Villa. On the same day, Major General Fredrick R. Funston in Texas was ordered to organize a force for the pursuit of Villa. Colonel Herbert Slocum, commander of the Thirteenth Cavalry, patrolled between the American and Mexican border after having fought in several places throughout the world, including partaking in the War in the Philippines. 

        The Thirteenth Cavalry Regiment then began to fight under the commands of General John Jack Pershing in 1916, in response to Villa's attack on Columbus, and patrolled the Mexican border until 1921. As the Punitive Expedition began, "troop trains began rolling toward the border, and marching columns converged toward Columbus." Commanding a column, Colonel George F Dodd led the Seventh cavalry to strike a large force of Villistas near Guerrero on March 29, 1916. Prior to this, two regiments of cavalry and a battery of artillery crossed the border on March 15, 1916 and came across the body of an unknown American, who had been blindfolded with the hands tied and a bullet at the back of the head.  

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        As the expedition carried on, Mexican raiders crossed the Rio Grande and attacked Glenn Springs and Bolquillas in Texas. This raid left three soldiers and a young boy dead as an addition to the looting of two general stores and nine kidnappings. Following the raids in Texas, two troops of the Eighth Cavalry Regiment were sent to pursue the raiders, and had to cross the border in to Mexico

Part C:

        The General and the Jaguar, written by Eileen Welsome was published in June 2006 by Little, Brown and Company in New ...

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