U.S. forces captured Manila in the Mock Battle of Manila, fought on August 13, 1898. The city was the capital of the Spanish Philippines and the principal target of the American expedition after Dewey's victory in Manila Bay.
The battle was unusual because American and Spanish commanders secretly arranged much of the confrontation. Spain wanted to surrender to the United States rather than to Filipino revolutionary forces surrounding the city, while the Americans wanted control of Manila and its strategic harbor. The resulting attack was designed to look like a genuine battle while limiting the destruction of the city.
American troops under Major General Wesley Merritt and Brigadier General Arthur MacArthur Jr. advanced through Manila's suburbs. Spanish forces surrendered the walled district of Intramuros, giving the United States control of the city. Filipino forces led by Emilio Aguinaldo were kept outside Manila, a decision that created deep resentment.
The engagement followed the signing of a peace protocol between Spain and the United States on August 12, though the Treaty of Paris was not signed until December. The strained cooperation helped set the stage for the Philippine-American War in 1899.