Russo-Japanese War
Shelby Moody
The primary author is the individual who drafted the first
version of this section; a section that could have been
modified since it was originally published.
Leading Up To the War
Many countries wanted land in exchange for
helping China during the Boxer Rebellion but
none more so than Japan and Russia. Both wanted pieces of Manchuria and Port Arthur. This lead to
what is known as the year long Russo-Japanese War; a war that took place while China was slowly
disintegrating. There were many attempts to make everyone happy, but Russia refused Japan's offer to
split up Manchuria. Russian forces stayed based in Manchuria and soon invaded northern Korea.
Arrogant to say the least, Russia believed in a quick victory and was willing to risk armed conflict with
Japan. Japan separated ties with Russia and soon attacked the Russian controlled Port Arthur without a
declaration of war.
China During the War
After the Boxer Rebellion, China was caught up in the war even though the country was neutral. The
people of China resented Japan and Russian. They saw them as intruders because they invaded even
though China warned them not enter Manchuria.
Attack on Port Arthur
In the dead of night on 8 February 1904 while the Russian naval soldiers slept, the Japanese fleet slowly
descended upon the well lit Port Arthur. Firing their torpedoes, they managed to hit two of the Russian
ships. When morning came, the attack continued. Japanese ships rained hell upon the Russian fleet who
soon tucked themselves behind their protective shore batteries.
This attack sparked the war, but this wasn't the only attack on Port Arthur. There was another attack
that lead to the surrender of Port Arthur in January 1905. This attack was lead by Nogi Maresuke, the
general of Japan's third army. This attack made Russian navy soldiers so anxious that they attacked
multiple English trawlers which they mistook for Japanese submarines. This almost started a war with
Great Britain.
Reprinted from College History
http://www.collegehistory.info/modern/manuscripts/01-russo-japanese.html
Last updated on 26 October 2014
Photo Caption: Propaganda poster demonstrating Russian's overconfidence during the RussoJapanese War.
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Japan
During the 1900s, Japan was in its prime. At the time, Japan was controlled by the Meiji oligarchy.
Although it had financial difficulties toward the end of the war, Japan had better leadership during the
war and plentiful resources. They also had one more thing that Russia lacked; arrogance and the backing
of the Japanese people. After many land and sea victories, Japan was victorious in the war and it
succeeded in becoming the first Asian country to defeat a Western nation.
Russia
At the time of the war, Tsar Nicholas II believed in the illusion that Russia could defeat the "baboons."
He was deluded and didn't notice his country was on the brink of revolution because was so bent on
expanding Russia's influence that he had neglected the economy. Due to the wavering hatred of the
government as their living conditions slowly declined, there wasn't a lot of patriotism among the Russian
people at this time. After the war had started with the attack on Port Arthur, the Tsar still felt over
confident that victory was in reach, but after three continuous loses due to poor leadership and
resources, Russia was the first major power to be defeated by an Asian country. The people's lack
confidence in their government continued to crumble which helped lead to the Russian Revolution of
1905.
During The War
There were many major battles throughout the war, but none more important than the battle and
surrender of Port Arthur and the defeat of Russia's Baltic Sea Fleet. Many Western countries sent
observers to document every moment of the war and anticipated Russia's victory over the Japan. Even
though this war is normally only remembered as Japan's rise to becoming a Major Power or President
Teddy Roosevelt's efforts in having peace between the warring parties, this war contributed two major
weapon upgrades.
The machine gun and the barbed wire were introduced in this war, which made the trenches more
dangerous. The telegraph, armored battleships, mine fields, and advanced torpedoes were also
effectively employed during the war. Some say tht if there wasn't military restraint or the intervention
of the U.S, the Russo-Japanese War could have turned into the first World War.
Reprinted from College History
http://www.collegehistory.info/modern/manuscripts/01-russo-japanese.html
Last updated on 26 October 2014
Photo Caption: Propaganda poster demonstrating Russian's overconfidence during the RussoJapanese War.
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Peace and the Treaty of Portsmouth
It was President Teddy Roosevelt of the United States who finally interned and invited representatives
of both countries to meet in Portsmouth, New Hampshire to discuss a peace treaty. This marked the first
peace treaty to be signed in the United States. Serge Witte of Russia and Jutaro Kumura of Japan
debated on a peace treaty that fit each countries concerns and needs.
Works Consulted
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Reprinted from College History
http://www.collegehistory.info/modern/manuscripts/01-russo-japanese.html
Last updated on 26 October 2014
Photo Caption: Propaganda poster demonstrating Russian's overconfidence during the RussoJapanese War.
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"Russia - Transformation of Russia in the Nineteenth Century." Russia ^mdash;Transformation of
Russia in the Nineteenth Century. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Oct. 2014.
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and Upheaval in Russia: 1904-05. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2014.
Seton-Watson, Hugh. "Foreign Policy." The Russian Empire, 1801-1917. Oxford: Clarendon P., 1967.
N. pag. Print.
"WeaponsMan." WeaponsMan. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2014.
Reprinted from College History
http://www.collegehistory.info/modern/manuscripts/01-russo-japanese.html
Last updated on 26 October 2014
Photo Caption: Propaganda poster demonstrating Russian's overconfidence during the RussoJapanese War.
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