Via Was Not a Crazy Idiot

An american invasion of mexico would put coranza in a very tough spot. If he followed his own nationalistic impulses, he would denounce and test the violation of mexican sovereignty. On the other hand, if caranza did nothing or supported the American invasion, he would be exposed as the yankee puppet. Via also remembered that after the invaded vera cruz, federal army officers and institutionalist officers had communicated across the lines about how they might have to form a patriotic front to fight the foreign invaders. In fact, it might reorient the political map enough that via himself would go from hunted outcast to highly valuable asset and leader.