Question

At the beginning of the Spanish-American War, why was Commodore George Dewey sent to the Philippines?

Answer 1

Commodore George Dewey was sent to the Philippines because it was known that there was a Spanish fleet there that he could destroy and thus help the country in the war.

Answer 2

Question: At the beginning of the Spanish-American War, why was Commodore George Dewey sent to the Philippines?  

Answer: He was sent to the Philippines  instructed by Theodore Roosevelt to prepare his navy vessels for action against the Spanish.

Explanation: Commodore George Dewey was an Admiral of the Navy and the only person in United States history to have attained the rank. Theodore Roosevelt instructed and sent him to prepare his navy vessels for action in the Philippines. It was the first ever real military action against Spain during the Spanish-American War. Under the command of Commodore George Dewey, the American Asiatic Squadron destroyed the Spanish Pacific Squadron. The battle was held at Manila Bay in the Philippines.