The United States refuses to recognize the Huerta regime. Opposition coalesces around Venustiano Carranza , an elderly rancher and politician. In the spring of 1914, the U.S. tries to aid Carranza by invading and occupying Veracruz , thereby cutting the arms supply to Huerta. Huerta will resign and flee the country later in the year. Carranza assumes the presidency and sends his best general, Alvaro Obregon , to face Villa after his alliance collapses.
Villa retreats to the north, and Zapata, sensing the turning tide, retreats as well.
Villa raids Columbus, New Mexico and wreaks havoc in the border region to get U.S. involvement, hopin it would weaken the Carranza administration.