It appeared that things in Mexico in 1871 had reached a stalemate. The Mexican Imperial Government continued to retain control of most of the country and all of the large seaports. The Loyalty of the Imperial Army appeared to be rock solid. The Emperor also had more than 4,000 foreign volunteers that were dependable.
Benito Juarez, the last elected President of Mexico also still had his supporters. He had received support from the Freemont and Lincoln Administrations but when some of his supporters began conducting raids into US territory to get arms , money and conscript people it resulted in the Grant Administration cooling to the idea of continuing to support the Mexican Republicans.
General Jackson had left the army and General Phil Sheridan was now commander of US forces in the entire Mexican territory department. Lt General WT Sherman was now Commander of the US Army, replacing General Lee, who had retired from the Army.
General Longstreet had taken up the Post of Commander of US forces in the West.