Final answer:
The Spanish-American War began in the Philippines, ironically far from the anticipated primary zone of conflict in Cuba, due to American imperialistic strategies seeking to expand their naval power in Asia. This unnecessary move contradicted the stated purpose of liberating Cuba, leading to further conflict and critique from anti-imperialists in the U.S.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first significant military conflict during the Spanish-American War began in the Philippines, which was ironic given that the widely perceived conflict zone was Cuba. This was due to Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Theodore Roosevelt, who sought to extend American naval power and influence in Asia, aligning with Alfred Thayer Mahan's strategic vision. Consequently, Commodore George Dewey led a decisive victory in the Philippines at the Battle of Manila Bay, commencing the conflict in this unexpected location.
Although the war was ostensibly about Cuban liberation, the irony lies in the fact that the fighting started far from Cuba, in a region that was not the primary focus of the public debate or diplomatic efforts. This strategic choice was unnecessary as it prolonged military engagement and led to the annexation of the Philippines, inciting a different conflict over Filipino independence, rather than solely addressing the Cuban quest for freedom from Spanish rule.
The conflict's origins in the Philippines and the war's expansion into imperialistic endeavors were met with criticism, especially from anti-imperialists who questioned both the morality and the costs of American intervention. It underlined the irony of fighting for Cuban liberty while pursuing colonial dominion elsewhere.