The events leading to the battle began after the United States defeated Spain in the Spanish-American War, resulting in U.S. control over the Philippines. The Filipino people, who had fought for independence from Spanish rule, found themselves under new colonial governance. Tensions between Filipino nationalists and American forces grew as differing visions for the future of the archipelago emerged. The Filipino soldiers’ incursion into the American Zone in Manila was seen as an act of defiance against American authority, which catalyzed a larger military engagement.

The first significant battle that ensued was characterized by rapid skirmishes between American troops and Filipino fighters, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. Key military leaders, including Major General Elwell Stephen Otis for the U.S. forces and various Filipino commanders, played vital roles during the conflict. As fighting spread to various regions, it became clear that a state of war existed, with civilian populations caught in the crossfire.

The Philippine–American War would continue for several years, bringing about estimates of over 200,000 Filipino deaths due to combat and subsequent famine. The conflict raised crucial debates regarding imperialism, national sovereignty, and the United States' role on the global stage, as empires expanded and the quest for independence took shape in colonized nations worldwide.