The Anniversary of the Liberation of the Battle of Manila is observed on February 3 annually. It was an important battle of the Philippine campaign from 1944 to 1945. It was fought in Manila, the Philippines’ capital, by U.S. and Filipino forces against Japanese invaders. The month-long conflict destroyed the city, and nearly 100,000 inhabitants died. Japanese troops massacred Filipino villagers, while American artillery also killed many during the battle. Japanese resistance and American gunfire ravaged most of Manila’s architectural and cultural legacy. Manila was one of the war’s most devastating capitals, along with Berlin and Warsaw. The conflict ended the Japanese military occupation of the Philippines (1942 to 1945). The capture of Manila was crucial to General Douglas MacArthur’s reconquest operations.
History of Anniversary of the Liberation of the Battle of Manila
More than 100,000 Filipino citizens died during the U.S.-Japanese war over Manila. On small, sparsely populated islands and in the Pacific, the Pacific War saw the most devastating urban battle.From Manila to the mountainous north, U.S. forces quickly overran Luzon. Tomoyuki Yamashita, commander of the Imperial Japanese Army, defended the city from the north. Army forces entered the city’s outskirts on February 3, 1945. It was a brief respite for both inmates and the Japanese troops guarding them while the U.S. and Japanese forces reached a short truce at a nearby university that turned into a Prisoner of War camp.American troops entered heavily entrenched Japanese sectors of the city on February 5. However, as the Japanese defenders became more determined, MacArthur relaxed his restrictions on aerial bombardment and artillery fire. While much of Manila was still under Japanese control, MacArthur declared victory on February 6. It got worse quickly when Japanese forces encamped in the city, often in 17th-century structures. They immediately lost their coherence and discipline and began mass-murdering Filipino citizens in retaliation.Assaults by hand-to-hand fighters and heavy artillery bombardments ravaged the city’s oldest districts over the next three weeks. The combat and artillery barrages destroyed numerous historical structures. The Japanese used human shields and horrific massacres against civilians (including attacks against co-belligerent Germans living in towns). Japanese organized resistance stopped in March.
Anniversary of the Liberation of the Battle of Manila timeline
The main university building houses civilians from January 4 for 37 months.
The Battle of Manila begins on February 3.
The battle ends on March 3.
Memorare-Manila 1945 Foundation erects the Shrine of Freedom on February 18 to commemorate the nearly 100,000 people who died in battle.
Anniversary of the Liberation of the Battle of Manila FAQs
What started the battle of Manila?
Spain was unwilling to reform its colonial government, and armed rebellion broke out in 1896.
What made the Battle of Manila and its aftermath stand out from the rest of the war?
When Spain’s once-proud empire fell, the United States obtained its first outpost in another country. The Philippines sold for $20 million. Cuba became a protectorate of the United States.
What was the impact of the Battle of Manila?
The battle for Manila’s liberation, fought by Philippine and American soldiers against Imperial Japanese forces, is regarded as one of the worst disasters of the Second World War.
How to Observe Anniversary of the Liberation of the Battle of Manila
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Learn about it
You can learn more about the Battle of Manila. You can read online or from textbooks about the impact of the battle.
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Watch documentaries
You can watch documentaries on the Battle of Manila. There are several documentaries available that you can watch.
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Spread the word
You can talk about the day with other people. Posting on social media or a blog is a great way to spread the word about the occasion.
5 Interesting Facts About The Battle Of Manila
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First and fiercest
The Battle of Manila was the region's first and most brutal urban battle.
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Destruction
Manila was one of the most terrible and devastating engagements of World War II; there aren't many known to have come close to it.
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Multidirectional
The American military arrived in Manila by many routes.
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To the last man
Rear admiral Sanji was given the duty to defend Manila to the last soldier despite the Japanese not intending to invest many resources into it.
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Manila Massacre
Violence against civilians included rape, massacre, and severe mutilation, among other things.
Why Anniversary of the Liberation of the Battle of Manila is Important
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Ensured success
During World War II, the joint efforts of Filipino and American soldiers made a significant difference. The Allies were able to win the war because of this.
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it’s about remembrance
The purpose of this day is to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of others. They will never be forgotten and remain a part of people’s lives.
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It celebrates freedom
The people were able to be freed from Japanese rule at the end of the battle. This day allows them to celebrate the victory.
Anniversary of the Liberation of the Battle of Manila dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 3 | Friday |
| 2024 | February 3 | Saturday |
| 2025 | February 3 | Monday |
| 2026 | February 3 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | February 3 | Wednesday |
