Villa’s Forces Tighten Grip on Mexico, But at What Cost?

June 25, 1915, marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for control of Mexico. The forces of Francisco ‘Pancho’ Villa seemed to be the dominant power, pushing further north and closer to the capital. In a shocking turn of events, Villa’s forces had forced their way into Mexico City, leaving the government of Venustiano Carranza reeling. According to reports from the Carranza agency, the Zapatistas, led by Emiliano Zapata, had entrenched themselves in the capital, causing occupation to be halted in order to spare the city the horrors of an attack. Just a week prior, Villa’s forces had claimed that the Zapatistas in Mexico City had no ammunition to resist their advance, but now it seems that the truth was far more sinister. As the government struggles to regain control, it’s clear that Villa’s grip on the nation is tightening, and the people are caught in the crossfire.