The Battle of Manila Bay, fought on May 1, 1898, marked a pivotal moment in the Spanish–American War and in naval history. Commodore George Dewey led the American Asiatic Squadron against Rear Admiral Patricio Montojo’s Spanish fleet in Manila Bay, Philippines. The Spanish forces, though numerically strong, were ill-equipped and poorly maintained, while the Americans had modern, well-armed ships and a clear tactical advantage. In a swift and decisive confrontation, Dewey’s squadron destroyed the Spanish fleet with minimal American casualties—just one fatality due to illness and nine wounded. The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of superior gunnery, training, and seamanship. Dewey’s tactics and knowledge of Spanish defenses, aided by intelligence from U.S. consul Oscar F. Williams, allowed the U.S. to bypass mines and strike at dawn. Within hours, most of the Spanish ships were scuttled or sunk. This victory ended Spain’s naval presence in the Pacific and set the stage for U.S. occupation of the Philippines. Dewey’s triumph was celebrated across the United States and helped solidify American naval dominance at the turn of the 20th century.