The American Involvement * The battle of words between the two countries became real on February 18, 1898. * While docked at Havana Harbor. * There were 260 casualties.
The Spanish-American War * April 24, 1898 Spanish declared war. * U.S. President William McKinley expressed decision was for the protection of American lives and properties in Cuba.
The Battle of Manila Bay * April 10, Basilio Agustin was appointed Governor of the Philippines. * He replaced Primo de Rivera. * Lt. Gen. Fermin Jaudenes was put in charge of the army. * April 20, Commodore George Dewey of the US Aquatic Squadron left Hong Kong to set sail for the Philippines to initiate the war with Spain. * Dewey was boarded in his flagship in Olympia. * May 1, 1898, Dewey encountered Spanish Armada of Admiral Patricio Montojo.
Aguinaldo Returns * While in Hong Kong, Aguinaldo established his revolutionary government exile. * Called “Hong Kong Junta”. * Felipe Agoncillo was made the President. * US Consul E. Spencer Pratt advised the possible alliance of US. * He made an arms deal with the US Consul to Hong Kong Rounseville Wildman, trusting him Php.17,000.
The Need for Filipino Support * Governor General Agustin, realizing the upcoming threat imposed by the presence of the American troops. * He created the consultative assembly. * Next tempt of Agustin was the creation of the Philippine Militia. * Commander Felipe Buencamino Sr., tasked to persuade Aguinaldo.
A Dictatorial Government * Aguinaldo created a dictatorial government. * Advised by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista. * May 24, the government was formed.
The Independence of the Philippines * June 12, 1898, independence of the Philippines proclaimed in Kawit, Cavite. * Prepared and read by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, Aguinaldo’s adviser. * The anthem “Marcha Nacional