Manila Bay 1898

An illustrated history of 'the first Pacific War', which saw the United States transform itself into an outward-looking, expansionist great power.

In April 1898, the United States and Spain declared war on each other. Led by Commodore George Dewey, the small US Asiatic Squadron departed China and attacked the Spanish naval squadron defending Manila Bay on May 1. Simultaneously, an insurrection under a charismatic young Filipino named Aguinaldo liberated most of the Philippines on its own and laid siege to Manila. This resulted in three warring sides vying for supremacy, with each fixed on their own unique political goals.

Here, respected author Brian Lane Herder explores why the 1898 US campaign in the Philippines permanently transformed US foreign policy, and highlights the importance of the Filipino rebels in defeating the Spanish. Illustrated with stunning battlescenes, photographs, and informative maps and diagrams, this work covers the May 1 naval battle between the US and Spanish cruiser squadrons, the May–August Philippines land campaign, the capture of Guam, and the annexation of Hawaii. The resultant work is one of the first to address the entire Pacific theatre of the Spanish–American War, including both military and diplomatic developments.

About the Author

Brian Lane Herder graduated with a BA in History from the University of Kansas in 2003, and a Masters of Library Science from Emporia State University in 2009. He is a legislative librarian for the Kansas state government and his historical research interests include the US military, naval warfare, and World War II. He has published various titles with Osprey including NVG 286 US Navy Battleships 1895–1908 and NVG 293 US Navy Gunboats 1885–1945.

Edouard Groult grew up inspired by watching historical documentaries with his father and developed a fascination for historical and fantasy art. Following art studies in both Paris and Belgium he worked as a concept artist in the videogame industry and in recent years has also undertaken historical commissions while working as a freelancer for historical magazines. He lives and works near London.

Table of Contents

• Origins of the Campaign
• Chronology
• Opposing Commanders
• Opposing Forces and Orders of Battle
• Opposing Plans
• The Campaign
• Aftermath
• The Battlefield Today
• Select Bibliography
• Index