Russo-Japanese War 1904–1905 : Summary, Causes, Key Battles

The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) was a military conflict caused by Russia and Japan’s aspirations for imperialism. In this war, Japan became the first Asian country to defeat a powerful European power in the modern era. It lasted from February 8, 1904, to September 5, 1905, and was an important conflict.

In this article, we will look into the background, causes, key battles, and major effects of the Russo-Japanese War.

The Russo-Japanese War was a military conflict between Russia and Japan. Russia had plans for expanding toward the East, hence, a clash between the two seemed unavoidable as Japan was also modernizing, developing, and increasing its military strength in the East.

Both countries came into territorial conflict, which turned into a war for influence over Korea and Manchuria. The war resulted in the rise of the non-European country Japan, as its advanced navy made it win over Russia and changed perspectives about Europe’s influence on Asia.

In 1868, Japan’s imperial rule under Emperor Meiji was restored. He feared Japan would also become colonized like other Asian countries, so, he initiated the transformation of Japan. This transformation is known as ‘The Meiji Restoration’ in which Japan underwent industrialization, modernization, and development of new technologies.

Japan also purchased weapons and technologies from the West and started expansion toward the sea. At the same time, Russia, already a strong imperial power with control over large territories including Central Asia and the Middle East, wanted to expand toward the East. Also, Russia was already experiencing domestic discontent, and the authoritarian ruler Tsar Nicholas II used the Russian-Japanese conflict as a distraction.

There were many causes of the war, let’s discuss the main causes that started the Russo-Japanese War:

• Japan annexed the Liaotung Peninsula in the first Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) but returned it under the pressure of Russia, France, and Germany. The conflicts increased when Russia took a lease of the Liaotung Peninsula from China.
• Russia, under Tsar Nicholas II, was pursuing its expansionist policies, and this led Russia to need warm water as the Port of Vladivostok remained frozen in the months of winter.
• Japan was rapidly modernizing under the Meiji restoration and sought to have control over Korea and Manchuria.
• In need of better mobility for its goods and troops, Russia began constructing the Trans Siberian Railway, which threatened Japan as it extended up to the Far East.
• Port Arthur on the Liaotung Peninsula in Manchuria was Russia’s naval base and warm waterway for Pacific explorations but Japan also wanted control over it.
• Japan formed its alliance with Great Britain in 1902 so that no country would support Russia in the war against Japan.
• When the negotiations failed between the two countries, Japan demanded the withdrawal of Russian troops from Manchuria, but Russia refused, and ultimately Japan attacked Port Arthur.

The battles that happened during the Russo-Japanese War on both land and sea are given below.

• The Battle of Port Arthur: Japan launched a surprise attack on February 8th, 1904 on the Russian naval base at Port Arthur. The Japanese Navy under Admiral Togo Heihachiro and the Russian fleet under Admiral Stepan Makarov had naval engagements. Despite thousands of casualties and Russia’s strong resistance, Japan retained control of the port.
• The Battle of Liaoyang: The Russian fleet which was coming to assist at Port Arthur was attacked by the Japanese. Japanese pushed back and fired continuously and sunk all Russian ships. The harbor was occupied by the Japanese, the Russian Navy suffered severe setbacks and by 1905 Russian Major General Anatoly Stessel surrendered. Stessel was then found guilty of treason but was later pardoned.
• War in Manchuria and Korea: At Incheon, Japan took control of the Korean peninsula and captured Seoul. In April 1904, they attacked Manchuria, under Russian control in northeastern China, and successfully forced the Russian Eastern Detachment to retreat. The next conflict occurred in February 1905, when Japanese soldiers attacked the Russians at Mukden and finally forced the Russian troops to retreat.
• Tsushima Straits: Japan won the war after its victory at the Battle of Mukden. Russia’s Baltic Fleet had to travel via Japan’s Sea to Vladivosto, but they were interrupted by the Japanese navy under Admiral Togo Heihachiro and engaged in the battle at the Tsushima Straits. Russia was left with no choice but to go after a peace agreement.

The effects of the Russo-Japanese War went beyond the borders of both nations. The war played a significant role in global diplomacy, encouraging nationalist movements, causing political instability, and setting the background for upcoming conflicts.

Treaty of Portsmouth

After the war, Russia faced a major crisis of its defeats at Port Arthur, Manked, and Tsushima. The financially burdened Japanese government initiated the peace talks, in which Roosevelt, the President of the US acted as a mediator at the Portsmouth Peace Conference.

• The conference resulted in the Treaty of Portsmouth, which gave Japan control of the Liaodong Peninsula, the South Manchurian Railway, and part of Sakhalin Island. In return, Russia promised to withdraw from southern Manchuria, which was then returned to China, and Japan’s control over Korea was acknowledged. Roosevelt was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to bring an end to the conflict.
• The defeat of Russia exposed its weakness globally, the loss fueled public unrest and the demand for political reforms. The disturbance led to the Russian Revolution of 1905, which showed the weaknesses of the Tsarist rule and later resulted in the downfall of the Romanov dynasty in the Russian Revolution of 1917.
• Japan demonstrated its military strength and technological advancements in the war. Its rapid modernization and industrialization resulted in its victory over Russia. The defeat of an important European state solidified Japan’s status as the dominating power in East Asia, and it became a role model for Asian countries but at the cost of financial burdens and casualties.
• The efforts of the U.S. in the mediation of the Russo-Japanese War increased its diplomatic influence and ability to resolve conflicts between large nations. The Treaty of Portsmouth signified the importance of third-party mediation and arbitration in maintaining international peace and stability.
• The European military’s superiority and its dominance were challenged. This victory revealed that non-Western nations could compete and even win against European imperial powers, encouraging other colonized peoples to oppose Western control and pursue independence.
• The aftermath of the war marked a shift in global power dynamics and also highlighted China’s weak sovereignty, which was prone to foreign interventions.

The Russo-Japanese War ended with the following course of action:

• Territory: Japan emerged victorious, gaining control of the southern portion of Sakhalin Island, as well as the leasehold rights to the Liaodong Peninsula and the South Manchurian Railway.
• Recognition: Russia recognized Japan’s territorial gains in Korea and its influence in South Manchuria.
• Withdrawal: Both Russia and Japan agreed to withdraw their forces from Manchuria.
• Diplomatic Relations: The treaty led to the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Japan.
• Impact: The Russo-Japanese War’s outcome reshaped the balance of power in East Asia, marking the first time a European power had been defeated by an Asian nation in modern times. Additionally, the war contributed to internal unrest in Russia, eventually leading to the Russian Revolution of 1905.

The desire for control and influence over East Asia led the two nations, Russia and Japan to enter into a military conflict which turned out to be a ‘World War Zero’ because it was an early war fought in modern times with advanced weapons and technology. Japan won the war but paid a great price for the victory and Russia faced military humiliation, economic disruption, and social unrest. At the same time, Japan was established as one of the great powers. The war changed the perception of people, challenged Western hegemony, and paved the way for upcoming conflicts that are to be followed.

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Who won the Russo-Japanese War?

The Russo-Japanese War was won by Japan in 1905 because of its superior navy. Russia lost the war and its dream to dominate in East Asia was shattered.

When did the Russo-Japanese War end?

The Russo-Japanese War ended on September 5, 1905, with the signing of the Treaty of Portsmouth which the President of the U.S. Roosevelt mediated.

What caused the Russo-Japanese War?

The Russo-Japanese War was caused by the territorial conflicts between Russia and Japan and their aspirations to expand and dominate East Asia.

Where did the Russo-Japanese War take place?

The Russo-Japanese War occurred in Northeast Asia, particularly in the Korean peninsula and Manchuria (northeastern China).

What started the Russo-Japanese War?

When negotiations failed between the two, Japan launched a surprise attack on the Russian naval base at Port Arthur on February 8, 1904, and the war started.

Why did Russia lose Russo-Japanese War?

Russia lost the Russo-Japanese War due to military and logistical failures, compounded by underestimating Japan’s military capabilities and strategic advantages.

Why was China involved in Russo-Japanese War?

China was involved in the Russo-Japanese War because the conflict centered on control over territories within China, notably Manchuria and Korea, which were strategic interests for both Russia and Japan.