American Infiltraition

• Spanish-American War of 1898

  Conflict between the United States and Spain that resulted in the U.S. acquisition of the Philippines
• American infiltration in the Philippines

  • Caused by the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana, Cuba
  • Blamed on the Spanish government
  • Sparked public sentiment for war in the U.S.
• Sinking of the USS Maine

  1. Incident in Havana Harbor

  2. Explosion caused death of officers and crew

  3. Blamed on Spanish government

  4. Sparked "Remember the Maine! To hell with Spain!" rallying cry
• Sinking of the USS Maine


  Played a pivotal role in igniting the Spanish-American War
• The sinking of the USS Maine itself wasn't a direct cause of the conflict, but served as a catalyst that hastened the outbreak of the war
• USA declared war against Spain

  April 21, 1898
• Cause of the conflict

  America's support of Cuba's ongoing struggle against Spanish ruling
• The Spanish-American War was the first overseas war fought by the USA using their steel ships, which brought superiority to the name of America in their naval forces in the world during that time
• Learning objectives

  • Discuss the nation's birth and the beginnings American colonization of the Philippines
  • Review the significant events that led to the Battle of Manila Bay
• Pact of Biak-na-Bato

  1. Filipino revolutionary leaders, led by Aguinaldo, were exiled to Hong Kong

  2. Revolution persisted despite this setback
• Hong Kong Junta


  Group led by Aguinaldo that shifted tactics to diplomacy and propaganda for Philippine independence
• Dissatisfaction led to division and defiance among the exiles in Hong Kong
• Aguinaldo's leadership challenges


  1. Discontent and division among the exiles in Hong Kong

  2. Isabelo Artacho led a resolution defying the departed leaders

  3. Aguinaldo took countermeasures to maintain leadership and unity
• Aguinaldo and the other revolutionists decided to cancel the Pact of Biak-na-Bato in April 1898 due to violations committed by the Spanish government against the terms of agreement
• Violations committed by the Spanish

  • Non-payment or inadequate payment of compensation/indemnity to rebels
  • Continued hostilities and oppressive measures against Filipino revolutionaries
  • Failure to dissolve the Katipunan as agreed
• How America entered the Philippines


  1. Aguinaldo's meeting with Mr. Bray and Mr. Pratt in Singapore

  2. Proposal to support America in fighting Spain in exchange for recognition of Philippine independence

  3. Communication with Commodore Dewey
• The Battle of Manila Bay

  1. Dewey's arrival and navigation past Corregidor Island

  2. Encounter and destruction of the Spanish fleet

  3. Refusal of Spanish vessels to surrender
• Outcome of the Battle of Manila Bay

  • Significant losses for the Spanish, including their entire warship fleet
  • Minimal American casualties
  • Paved the way for U.S. occupation of Manila and transfer of the Philippines from Spanish to American control
• The return of Emilio Aguinaldo

  1. Aguinaldo's return to the Philippines and meeting with Admiral Dewey

  2. Dewey's provision of confiscated weapons and advice to design a Philippine flag

  3. Aguinaldo's organization of the renewed revolt against Spain
• The Battle of Alapan, the first military success of Filipino Revolutionaries led by Emilio Aguinaldo upon his return

  May 28, 1898
• The Battle of Alapan culminated in Aguinaldo unfurling the Philippine flag for the first time at Teatro Caviteño in Cavite Nuevo, witnessed by Filipino revolutionaries, captured Spanish troops, and American sailors