What did Wilson's deployment of the U.S. Army into Mexico aim to address?

Wilson's decision to deploy the U.S. Army into Mexico was primarily aimed at subduing Pancho Villa, who had been conducting cross-border raids into the United States. These raids, especially the attack on Columbus, New Mexico, where Villa's forces killed several Americans, prompted Wilson to take military action to protect American lives and property. The deployment of troops sought to capture Villa and quell his threat to U.S. interests in the region, thereby illustrating Wilson's approach to foreign policy that prioritized American security over direct intervention in Mexico's political affairs.

While Wilson did have interests in promoting democratic governance and stability in Mexico, which is reflected in his overall foreign policy of "moral diplomacy," his military action in 1916 was specifically triggered by the urgent need to address the immediate threat posed by Villa's attacks, making the focus on preventing further border raids the key driver behind his deployment.