Today in Labor History June 1, 1914: 80 U.S. militia men refused to board a train as reinforcements for the U.S. invasion of Veracruz, Mexico. The U.S. ultimately occupied the region for six months because President Huerta refused to provide the U.S. with a 21-gun salute as an apology for arresting nine U.S. sailors. More significantly, Veracruz was an important oil port. Germany and Britain had been battling for its control. The occupation gave the U.S. greater influence on the still unfolding Mexican Revolution, as well as the growing tensions in Europe. 21 US troops died in the invasion and occupation, while slaughtering over 320 Mexicans.