Which statement is accurate about the Battle of Santiago?

• A. The U.S. Navy achieved a lopsided victory in which every Spanish ship was sunk or run aground
• B. The battle ended in a Spanish victory
• C. The Spanish ships defeated the U.S. fleet
• D. The battle had no naval engagement

Answer: (A)

The Battle of Santiago de Cuba centers on the outcome of a decisive naval clash during the Spanish‑American War. American forces trapped Cervera’s squadron in the harbor and poured in heavy fire, leaving none of the Spanish ships able to continue. All four ships were sunk or run aground to be destroyed, so the Americans achieved a clear, lopsided victory with no survivor ships intact. This effectively wiped out Spain’s naval power in the Caribbean and helped end Spain’s colonial presence in the region.

It isn’t a Spanish victory, and it isn’t a draw, and there was indeed a significant naval engagement with decisive results.