Battle in 1945 during World War II fought between Japan and the United States with the Commonwealth of the Philippines
The Battle of Manila killed at least 100,000 civilians and devastated the Philippine capital, making it one of the most destructive urban battles of World War II.
Key Facts
- Duration
- 3 February – 3 March 1945 (one month)
- Civilian deaths
- At least 100,000
- Nickname
- The Stalingrad of Asia
- Japanese occupation ended
- Nearly three years (1942–1945)
- Theater
- Pacific Theater, Philippine campaign 1944–45
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following Allied landings on Luzon in January 1945, American and Filipino forces advanced toward Manila to liberate it from nearly three years of Japanese military occupation that had begun in 1942. General Douglas MacArthur regarded the capture of Manila as essential to victory in the broader Philippine campaign, prompting a rapid drive on the capital.
From 3 February to 3 March 1945, American and Philippine Commonwealth forces battled entrenched Japanese troops across Manila's urban districts. Japanese forces committed mass atrocities against Filipino civilians, while American commanders authorized heavy artillery barrages to dislodge defenders from fortified landmarks. The fighting destroyed much of the city's architectural and cultural heritage and resulted in at least 100,000 civilian deaths.
The Allied victory ended Japanese control of the Philippine capital and effectively broke the back of Japanese military occupation in the islands, though heavy fighting continued on Luzon and elsewhere until Japan's surrender in August 1945. Manila was left among the most devastated capital cities of the Second World War, comparable in destruction to Berlin and Warsaw.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
2 belligerents
Douglas MacArthur.
Side B
1 belligerent