At the beginning of the spanish-american war, why was commodore george dewey sent to the philippines?   to protect american business interests thereto assist the spanish against the filipinosto take on the spanish fleet at manila bayto protect the capital from hostile nations

To take on the Spanish fleet at Manila Bay.

Explanation:

The Battle of Manila Bay, 1898, was the first battle to be fought in the Spanish American war. This war was a direct result of the sinking of the Maine by unknown forces, though majority of the people and even the government all blamed the Spanish for the act.

At the onset of the war, Commodore George Dewey was ordered to station his ship U.S. Asiatic Squadron at Manila Bay and destroy the Spanish Pacific Fleet. This fleet owned by the enemy was believed to be in the coastal areas of the Spanish- controlled part of the Philippines. Thus, the main reason Commodore Dewey was sent was to take on the Spanish fleet at the Bay.