BATTLE OF MANILA BAY

Battle of Manila Bay

At the opening of the Spanish–American War, Commodore George Dewey led the United States Asiatic Squadron into Manila Bay to find and destroy Spain’s Pacific fleet. In the pre-dawn darkness his column of cruisers and gunboats slipped past coastal batteries and closed with the anchored Spanish ships. Once in position, Dewey gave his famous order to his flagship’s captain to open fire, unleashing a methodical bombardment that overwhelmed the outgunned enemy squadron. By late morning the Spanish fleet was wrecked and burning, with minimal American casualties. The victory gave the United States Navy control of Manila Bay, allowed American ground forces to move in later that year, and signaled that the United States had arrived as a modern naval power. Manila Bay also began a new, controversial chapter in American history as the United States took on colonial responsibilities in the Philippines.