What did America want from Mexico
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the United States desired different things from Mexico at different times. Some of the main objectives included:
1. Territory: The United States wanted to acquire land from Mexico. This led to conflicts like the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), which resulted in the annexation of large parts of Mexican territory, including what is now California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming.
2. Economic Exploitation: The U.S. sought access to Mexico's natural resources, particularly oil. American companies, such as Standard Oil, invested heavily in Mexico's oil industry during the early 20th century.
3. Stability and Security: The U.S. wanted a stable and friendly neighbor to its south in order to prevent potential threats or influence from other major global powers. The U.S. government supported certain Mexican leaders or regimes that aligned with American interests, such as Porfirio Díaz during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
4. Immigration: The U.S. wanted to manage the flow of Mexican immigrants, especially during periods of high migration. The employment of Mexican laborers, both legally and illegally, was seen as important for industries such as agriculture and construction.
It is important to note that these desires were often pursued through different means, ranging from diplomatic negotiations to military force or economic pressure.