Why were the first shots of the Spanish-American War fired in the Philippines rather than in Cuba? (2 points)

A. The Filipinos began a rebellion against their Spanish rulers as soon as the United States entered the war against the Spanish.
B. The Declaration of War allowed the American fleet to sail to the Caribbean only after the Spanish fleet in the Philippines had been defeated.
C. Realizing the strategic value of the Philippines, the United States ordered a surprise attack on the Spanish fleet as soon as war was declared.
D. Anticipating a defeat in the Caribbean, the Spanish tried to capture new territories in Asia, attacking the Philippines once war had been declared.

The first shots of the Spanish-American War were fired in the Philippines rather than in Cuba due to the strategic importance of securing the islands in the Pacific region.

Explanation:

Commodore George Dewey's victory over the Spanish fleet in the Battle of Manila Bay marked a significant event in the Spanish-American War in the Pacific. The United States prioritized the Philippines due to the strategic value of securing the islands during the conflict with Spain. This victory allowed the U.S. to gain control of the Philippines and establish a foothold in the Pacific region.

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