Final answer:
Woodrow Wilson's administration refused to recognize the government in Mexico headed by Victoriano Huerta, as Wilson supported democratic elections and moral governance, and backed Venustiano Carranza's opposition to Huerta.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Woodrow Wilson administration refused to extend formal diplomatic recognition to the government in Mexico headed by Victoriano Huerta. Wilson's refusal was due to Huerta's dictatorial style of rule and opposition quickly arose against him, with factions led by leaders like Emiliano Zapata in the south and Venustiano Carranza in the north. Wilson aimed to promote democracy and moral principles in the region and, as such, he officially supported Carranza's opposition to Huerta's military control. American intelligence discovered a German ship allegedly delivering weapons to Huerta, and in response, Wilson ordered the U.S. Navy to land at Veracruz to intercept the shipment. His administration's reluctance to support a non-democratic regime such as Huerta's demonstrated a moral foreign policy stance by the United States during that era.