What type of victory did the U.S. Navy achieve at the Battle of Santiago?

The U.S. Navy's victory at the Battle of Santiago on July 3, 1898, is best described as a decisive victory with minimal losses. This battle was a pivotal moment in the Spanish-American War, showcasing the effectiveness of U.S. naval power. The American fleet, under the command of Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, successfully engaged and destroyed the Spanish fleet in a swift and overwhelming manner. The engagement lasted only a few hours, leading to the sinking of several Spanish warships and the effective incapacitation of the Spanish naval presence in the Caribbean.

The U.S. Navy's losses during this battle were minimal compared to the catastrophic losses suffered by the Spanish fleet, solidifying the victory as not only decisive in terms of naval engagement but also strategically significant, as it paved the way for the U.S. to assert control in the Caribbean and the Pacific. Such a clear and dominant outcome is indicative of a decisive victory.