📅 On This Day in Military History
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Based on faulty intelligence that cannon were being cast at Molino del Rey near Chapultepec, Worth's division attacked the stone buildings. The assault encountered far stronger resistance than expected — the Mexican defenders were well-positioned and fought stubbornly. American forces ultimately carried the position but suffered casualty rates that appalled Scott and raised questions about the necessity of the attack.
Molino del Rey was criticized as a costly blunder resulting from poor intelligence. The battle weakened American forces before the climactic assault on Chapultepec and demonstrated the high cost of frontal attacks on prepared positions. The casualties hardened American resolve to end the war quickly by capturing Mexico City.
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