On September 13, 1847, the American army assaulted the Mexican Military Academy, a fortress known as Chapultepec, which guarded the gates to Mexico City. Although the Mexicans inside fought valiantly, they were outgunned and outnumbered and were soon overrun. With Chapultepec under their control, the Americans were able to storm two of the city gates and by nightfall were in tentative control of Mexico City itself. Although the Americans captured Chapultepec, the battle is a source of great pride for Mexicans today, as young cadets fought bravely to defend the fortress.
Mexico and the United States had gone to war in 1846. Among the causes of this conflict were Mexico's lingering anger over the loss of Texas and the US' desire for Mexico's western lands, such as California, Arizona and New Mexico. The Americans attacked from the north and from the east while sending a smaller army west to secure those territories they wanted. The eastern attack, under General Winfield Scott, landed on the Mexican coast in March of 1847. Scott made his way towards Mexico City, winning battles at Veracruz, Cerro Gordo and Contreras. After the Battle of Churubusco on August 20, Scott agreed to an armistice which lasted until September 7.
Read Full Article »