Which event marked the first shots of the Spanish-American War?

The Bombardment of Manila Bay is identified as the event that marked the first shots of the Spanish-American War. On May 1, 1898, Commodore George Dewey led the U.S. naval fleet into Manila Bay in the Philippines, resulting in a decisive victory against the Spanish fleet stationed there. This engagement not only signaled the United States' entry into the war but also showcased its naval power and strategic capability, leading to the rapid decline of Spanish colonial influence in the Pacific.

While other events like the destruction of the Spanish fleet at Santiago Bay and the Battle of San Juan Hill were significant battles later in the conflict, they occurred after the initial hostilities had commenced with the bombardment at Manila Bay. The creation of the Rough Riders is associated with the land campaign and Theodore Roosevelt's charge at San Juan Hill, but it does not correspond to the initial military action that ignited the war. Thus, the Bombardment of Manila Bay is the correct identification of the first shots fired in the Spanish-American War, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. history as it transitioned to a more imperialistic approach on the global stage.