Mexican Troops and Zachary Taylor: No Evidence of "Justified Attack" Narrative

The premise is historically inaccurate. There is no evidence Mexican troops "felt justified" in attacking Zachary Taylor's forces. The 1846 outbreak of the Mexican–American War stemmed from:

1. Texas Annexation (1845): Mexico never recognized Texas independence (1836) or U.S. annexation. Viewed it as act of war.
2. Border Dispute: U.S. claimed Rio Grande; Mexico claimed Nueces River (150 mi north). Taylor moved to Rio Grande (March 1846) on Polk's orders—into disputed territory.
3. Thornton Affair (April 25, 1846): Mexican cavalry crossed Rio Grande, attacked U.S. dragoons (11 killed, 46 captured). Polk cited this as "American blood on American soil" to request war declaration.

Mexican perspective: Defending sovereign territory against an army occupying land Mexico considered its own. General Mariano Arista's official reports frame it as repelling invasion. "Justified" implies a moral/legal calculus—Mexican leadership saw it as defense of national integrity. The U.S. saw it as defense of annexed territory. Two sovereign claims; no shared framework. The war resulted in Mexico losing 55% of its territory (Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, 1848).