USA HISTORY

AMERICAN IMPERIALISM(1890 1919)

THE SPANISH AMERICAN WAR

[SOURCES]
Who became a hero because of his decisive defeat of the Spanish fleet off the coast of the Philippines?

(A) ** George Dewey

(B) Matthew Perry

(C) Alfred Thayer Mahan

(D) Teddy Roosevelt

EXPLANATIONS BELOW

Concept note-1: -Aftermath. In recognition of George Dewey’s leadership during the Battle of Manila Bay, a special medal known as the Dewey Medal was presented to the officers and sailors under Admiral Dewey’s command. Dewey was later honored with promotion to the special rank of Admiral of the Navy.

Concept note-2: -On May 1, 1898, at Manila Bay in the Philippines, the U.S. Asiatic Squadron destroyed the Spanish Pacific fleet in the first major battle of the Spanish-American War (April-August 1898).

Concept note-3: -Thus prepared for battle, Dewey launched his attack, through mined waters and firing shore batteries, on Admiral Patricio Montojo’s slow, outmoded, under-supplied Spanish squadron at Cavite in Manila Bay. On May 1, he engaged the Spanish forces and demolished them, inflicting very heavy casualties.

Concept note-4: -George Dewey, (born December 26, 1837, Montpelier, Vermont, U.S.-died January 16, 1917, Washington, D.C.), U.S. naval commander who defeated the Spanish fleet at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War (1898).

Concept note-5: -On the morning of 1 May 1898, Commo. George Dewey’s Asiatic Squadron sailed into Manila Bay and completely destroyed the Spanish fleet in the Pacific, losing not a single man or vessel.