The Russo-Japanese War, 1904-05

What was the Russo-Japanese War?

The Russo-Japanese War was a conflict between the Russian Empire, ruled by Tsar Nicholas II, and Imperial Japan under Emperor Meiji.

When was the Russo-Japanese War?

The Russo-Japanese War began on 8th February, 1904, and ended on 5th September (23rd August, Old Style), 1905.

Why did the Russo-Japanese War happen?

There were 5 key causes of the Russo-Japanese War:

• ❖ Russia wanted to expand its territory in China in an area called Manchuria. This brought Russia into conflict with Japan, which was trying to do the same.
• ❖ Tsar Nicholas II wanted a 'short, swift victorious' war to reduce opposition at home which was growing due to deteriorating conditions.
• ❖ Russia needed ports that could be used all year as its existing ports froze over in winter.
• ❖ The Russians did not believe Japan, as an Asian nation, would be able to beat them as they considered them inferior.
• ❖ Russia was considering expanding the Trans-Siberian Railway into Manchuria. The Japanese saw that as a threat to their position in Korea.

What happened during the Russo-Japanese War?

There were 6 key events of the war:

• ❖ In February 1904, Port Arthur, a Russian naval base, was attacked by the Japanese.
• ❖ In September 1904, the Japanese won a major land battle in the Battle of Liaoyang despite having a smaller force.
• ❖ In January 1905, Port Arthur surrendered to the Japanese.
• ❖ In February 1905, Russia was defeated in the Battle of Mukden and surrendered it in March to Japan.
• ❖ In May 1905, at the Battle of Tsushima, the Russian Baltic fleet was defeated by the Japanese navy.
• ❖ In September 1905, both sides formally ended the war when they signed the Treaty of Portsmouth.

What was the significance of the Russo-Japanese War for Russia?

Russia's defeat in the Russo-Japanese War was significant for 4 reasons:

• ❖ Tsar Nicholas II was blamed for the humiliation of being defeated by Japan, which had been considered a lesser power.
• ❖ The military defeats in the war helped cause the mutiny on the Battleship Potemkin in June 1905.
• ❖ Fighting the war put even more strain on the government's resources and diverted much-needed grain and fuel away from the people, creating even more discontent.
• ❖ It was a key trigger of the 1905 Revolution and Bloody Sunday incident.