Final answer:
The U.S. supported Victoriano Huerta's coup in 1913, but relations soured leading to support for his opponents and subsequent military actions against rebel Pancho Villa.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States backed the military coup of Victoriano Huerta in Mexico in 1913. Following the failure of Francisco Madero to institute reforms, General Huerta commanded forces to oust Madero, who was later executed.
However, Huerta's dictatorial regime faced opposition, leading to a rebellion from figures like Emiliano Zapata and Venustiano Carranza.
President Woodrow Wilson supported Carranza and provided his forces with munitions to help overthrow Huerta's government. Despite Wilson's support for Carranza, relations were strained, culminating in Pancho Villa's attack on Columbus, New Mexico, after which Wilson sent U.S. troops to capture Villa.