History is Funny

My favorite dissertation-related quote is still a reference to a "whirligig of revolutionary dictators" in Haiti, one of whom failed because he "neglected to buy as many votes as was customary." Hee.

Also amusing, though, is the 1914 American intervention into Mexico at Veracruz. For some reason or another, a handful of American troops were arrested by Mexican authorities for an hour and a half. Oops. President Wilson was not happy and demanded -- get this -- that the Mexicans perform a 21-gun salute to the American flag as an apology. President Huerta refused. The United States intervened. Bizarre.