Maneuver and Battle in the Mexican Revolution: A Revolution in Military Affairs

Part 2 of the second entry in the Maneuver and Battle in the Mexican Revolution trilogy introduces and analyzes the strategy proposals formulated by the First Chief’s key generals and the Federal Army General Staff in the winter of 1914. Federal Army tactical doctrine and weapons systems—employed by all sides—are also presented. In the ensuing operations, superior Constitutionalist strategy and Norteño defense traditions precipitate a revolution in Mexican military affairs that overwhelms the flawed European model made infamous by Santa Anna, and culminate in such epic battles as Torreón and Zacatacas, a Constitutionalist victory in August 1914, and another realignment of forces in the Revolution. By the end of 1914 the entire country, from Sonora to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and the Yucatan Peninsula are brought into the scope of conventional military operations, and the stage is set for the climactic battles of 1915.