On what date did the Battle of Manila Bay take place?

The Battle of Manila Bay took place on May 1, 1898. It was the first major engagement of the Spanish-American War and was fought in the Philippines, then a Spanish colony.

The American Asiatic Squadron, commanded by Commodore George Dewey, entered Manila Bay from Hong Kong and attacked the Spanish Pacific Squadron under Admiral Patricio Montojo. American ships repeatedly crossed in front of the Spanish fleet, using superior gunnery to destroy or disable the opposing vessels. By the end of the battle, the Spanish squadron had been effectively eliminated.

The victory cost the Americans very little compared with its strategic importance. Most accounts record one American death from a heart attack and several wounded, while Spanish losses were much heavier. Dewey's success gave the United States control of Manila Bay and encouraged President William McKinley to send troops to occupy Manila.

This battle is sometimes called the Battle of Cavite, because much of the action occurred near the Spanish naval base at Cavite. It should not be confused with the later Mock Battle of Manila on August 13, 1898.