1898
Battle of Manila Bay
The setting
Manila Bay, Philippines
Enclosed coastal bay; naval engagement off Cavite
Reveal the outcome
Recorded sideUnited States
Recorded resultDecisive victory
Dewey's squadron entered the bay at night and destroyed or scuttled the entire Spanish fleet in a single morning with negligible American losses.
How the atlas explains it
Superior modern gunnery, training and ship condition against an outclassed, outgunned squadron; Dewey's decisive night entry seized the initiative.
What followed
First major battle of the Spanish-American War and a turning point that led to U.S. control of the Philippines; made Dewey a national hero ('You may fire when you are ready, Gridley').