All seek to seize the dropped reins.

The inauguration of Madero, therefore, did not result in a new and popular government but in continued disturbance.

Factions with differing creeds raised revolts in various sections of the country until, in February, 1913, Madero was overthrown by one of these groups, led by Felix Diaz and General Victoriano Huerta, and representing a reactionary tendency.
Madero and his vice president Pino Suarez were killed, it was believed by order of Huerta, and on the 27th of February, in the City of Mexico, Huerta was proclaimed President.

Don Venustiano Carranza, Governor of the State of Coahuila, straightway denied the constitutionality of the new Government and led a new revolution under the banner of the Constitution.
It was in such a condition that President Wilson found the affairs of the continent when he took office on March 4, 1913.

The American policy in the Caribbean was well defined and to a large extent in operation.
Pan-American sentiment was developing, but its strength and direction were yet to be determined.