Mock Battle of Manila

From WikiPilipinas: The Hip 'n Free Philippine Encyclopedia

Battle of Manila

The American fleet during the Spanish-American war at the Manila Bay

Date	August 13, 1898
Location	Manila, Philippines
Result	U.S. victory

Belligerents

United States

Spain

Commanders

Wesley Merritt
George Dewey

Fermin Jaudenes

The Mock Battle of Manila, also called the Battle of Manila Bay, is part of a series of battles for the occupation of Manila that took place at Manila Bay on August 13, 1898, during the Spanish-American War.

1 Before the Battle
2 Theatrical Surrender
3 After the Battle
4 See Also
5 Reference
6 Citation

[edit] Before the Battle

On April 25, 1898 the United States declared war against Spain ordering Commodore George Dewey to attack the Spanish fleet in the Philippines. His fleet arrived at the Manila Bay at the dawn of May 1, 1898, beginning the 106-day war between America and Spain. The Spanish fleet was being led by Admiral Patricio Montojo.

On August 9, 1898, General Wesley Merritt and Admiral George Dewey, issued an appeal to then Governor General Fermin Jaudenes to surrender the the city. The same day, the foreign consuls in Manila and the Spanish State as well as the church officials decided to surrender. However, the German consul made a certain remark that made the Spaniards decide not to surrender without a fight.

[edit] Theatrical Surrender

The battle that occurred on August 13, 1898 was called mock because the war was already pre-planned. The time the first gun would be fired was already set as well as to what time the guns would stop firing. The surrender of the spanish was theatrical as the raising of the white flag is already expected. These events on August 13, 1898 was planned and seconded by General Merritt and the governor General Jaudenes.

[edit] After the Battle

August 13, 1898 ended 106 days of the Spanish-American War. However, freedom was short-lived. The Spanish who agreed to surrender, but only to the Americans and only with a face-saving mock battle that excluded the Filipino forces, was replaced by the Americans. The mock battle marked the start of american colonization of the Philippines.