The Battle of Santiago de Cuba was a pivotal naval engagement during the Spanish-American War. It unfolded in the aftermath of months of conflict during which the United States sought to liberate Cuba from Spanish colonial rule. The American Navy, under the command of Admiral William T. Sampson, had established a rigorous blockade of Santiago, effectively neutralizing Cervera’s fleet. The harbor, where Cervera's squadron had sought refuge, became a strategic focal point as the war came to a head. Initially, Spain had hoped Cervera’s naval power would deter American advances, but the United States, buoyed by modern naval technology, was determined to end Spanish control in the Caribbean. On the 3rd of July, the battle commenced when Cervera's fleet attempted to break free from the harbor in what would be a fateful decision. As the Spanish ships emerged from the narrow channel of Santiago, they faced an onslaught from the American fleet. The swift movements of the U.S. vessels, enhanced by superior firepower and tactical positioning, decimated the Spanish forces. Within a few hours, the battle concluded with significant losses for the Spaniards—of the four armed ships that attempted to flee, three were sunk and one ran aground, while only one American vessel sustained damage. This clash effectively marked the decline of Spanish naval power in the Americas and accelerated the end of Spanish colonial rule in Cuba, reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the region.