Manila has become the focus not only…

Manila has become the focus not only of the Spanish-American conflict and the growing suspicions between the Americans and Filipino rebels by the summer of 1898, but also of a rivalry that encompasses the European powers.

Following Dewey's victory, Manila Bay has filled with the warships of Britain, Germany, France, and Japan.

The German fleet of eight ships, ostensibly in Philippine waters to protect German interests (a single import firm), acts provocatively—cutting in front of United States ships, refusing to salute the United States flag (according to naval courtesy), taking soundings of the harbor, and landing supplies for the besieged Spanish.

Germany, hungry for the ultimate status symbol, a colonial empire, is eager to take advantage of whatever opportunities the conflict in the islands might afford.

Dewey calls the bluff of the German admiral, threatening a fight if his aggressive activities continue, and the Germans back down.