Pershing's push into Mexico was called a ""punitive expedition"" a. so that it would not be mistaken for an invasion. b. because we wanted Mexico to believe it was a war. c. because we wanted everyone to know it was a very small operation. d. because we wanted the world to know we were punishing Germany.

a. so that it would not be mistaken for an invasion.

Explanation:

Pershing's push into Mexico was triggered after Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa attacked the borders of Columbus. Following the attack,  President Wilson ordered General John J. Pershing for an expedition into Mexico to capture Pancho Villa.This expedition was called as a "punitive expedition" because it was not a direct invasion into Mexico with political motives. It was rather a punitive action undertaken to capture Pancho Villa and to punish him.