Battle of Manila (1899)

The Battle of Manila, also known as the Second Battle of Manila, was fought from February 4 to February 5, 1899, in Manila, Philippines, between Filipino revolutionaries and U.S. troops. It marked the beginning of the Philippine-American War.

Following the Treaty of Paris (1898), Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States. However, Filipino nationalists, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, declared independence and established the First Philippine Republic. Tensions escalated between Filipino and American forces as both sides contested control of Manila.

The battle erupted after an American soldier shot and killed a Filipino soldier on San Juan Bridge. This incident sparked a larger conflict as Filipino forces launched attacks on American positions within and around Manila. The American troops, better armed and trained, quickly gained the upper hand.

American forces, under the command of General Elwell Otis, responded with overwhelming firepower, pushing back the Filipino revolutionaries. The fighting was intense, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides, particularly among Filipino combatants and civilians.

By February 5, the Americans had effectively secured Manila and surrounding areas. The battle resulted in the defeat of the Filipino forces and the consolidation of American control over the city. While pockets of resistance continued elsewhere in the Philippines, the Battle of Manila marked a significant turning point in the Philippine-American War, solidifying American presence and prompting a longer and more brutal conflict throughout the archipelago. The battle led to significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction within Manila.