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Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) (Why did Russia Lose? (Japan had a…
Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905)
Causes
Imperialism
Nicholas II was determined that Russia should not fall behind the EU powers in terms of colonies
therefore, Russia expressed their interest in the Far East
Russia had growing presence in Korea
made Japan nervous
Russia did not withdraw temporary troops from Manchuria in 1903
Immediate
Japan launched a surprised naval attack on Port Arthur in February 1904
over trade and territory disputes in Korea
Wilhelm persuaded the Tsar to start a war following this Japanese attack
he was happy for Russia to be distracted in the Far East
because there had already been tension in the Middle East over Balkan territory
Tsar also persuaded to start a war to distract from domestic issues
starvation following the 1903 poor harvest had caused riots and stakes
he felt that a swift and victorious war with the Japanese would cheer people up and distract them
The War on Land
By May 1904 Japanese troops cut off Port Arthur
January 1905: Russia surrendered and lost the port
Russia attempted to win the port back again at the
Battle of Mukden
Russia lost again
War at Sea
Russia's naval fleet did not arrive until May 1905
Russia lost the
Battle of Tsushima
out of 35 ships
20 were sunk
5 were captured
the Japanese, in comparison suffered only minimal losses
Why did Russia Lose?
the general expectation was that Russia should win easily
therefore, weren't as cautious as they should have been
Japan had a strategic advantage
troops could access the battleground via a short sea route
Russian troops had to follow a single railway track
Japan had more troops
The Russian army was chaotic and disorganised
Consequences
Japan began to establish itself as a major world power
Tsar Nicholas II had to accept the humiliating
Treaty of Portsmouth
terms were light but hurt Russia's pride
Witte's tough negotiations meant Russia kept control of Manchuria and paid no reparations
The Russian people, and the world as a whole, now saw the Russian government as incompetent
Opposition rose