Final answer:
General Zaragoza's troops were decided to defend themselves at Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City despite being outnumbered by the French. Their heroic and fierce defense became a significant event in Mexican history, especially the last act of one cadet who sacrificed himself while wrapped in the Mexican flag.
Step-by-step explanation:
General Zaragoza decided that even though they were outnumbered by the French, the remaining Mexican troops would defend themselves at Chapultepec Castle at the center of the city. This decision was part of a broader conflict that included General Winfield Scott capturing Veracruz and moving in a northwesterly direction towards Mexico City. The defense at Chapultepec Castle involved about 1,000 men and cadets from the military academy, who laid land mines which ultimately failed to detonate. After a fierce battle, Scott's forces prevailed.
According to Mexican sources, only a handful of cadets remained to defend Chapultepec Castle when Scott's forces reached it. Most notably, one of these cadets wrapped himself in the Mexican flag and jumped from the palace terrace, choosing death over surrender. This valiant defense and the cadet's act are remembered as symbols of Mexican patriotism.