Russo-Japanese War

What was one of the main reasons why Russia entered the war?

Territorial expansion into Manchuria. This shows Russias overconfidence and ambition, as this brought Russia into direct conflict with Japan, who were rapidly modernising.

Which key advisor urged against going to war?

Sergei Witte. Witte recognised that Russia wasn’t militarily ready, or economically, and therefore opposed going to war. Japan was rapidly modernising technologically and in terms of military, but Nicholas wouldn’t listen.

How many troops were isolated during the siege?

60,000 troops. This shows poor military planning of Russia, as the siege of port arthur trapped many russian forces, contributing to why they became overpowered by Japan. Highlights incompetence of russian army.

In which body of water were the Russian Fleet destroyed by Admiral Togo?

Tsushima Straits. This would be quite a humiliating defeat for Russia, and highlights the technological advancement of Japan in comparison to Russia. Russia underestimated Japan.

Which alliance gave Russia a naval disadvantage?

The anglo-japanese alliance of 1902. This alliance strengthened Japans position as it was an alliance with britain, and naturally other powers such as France would back Japan more than russia now. This isolated russia and meant that Japan had the support and confidence to oppose Russia now. Shows weakness of foreign policy.

Which key port was surrendered by russia in december 1905?

Port Arthur. Treaty of Portsmouth. This was a huge symbolic blow as it meant that Russia lost its main naval base in east Asia, so would therefore have less power in that area navally, also shows the futility of Russias war aims.

Where was Russias final, humiliating defeat?

Mukden. This led to the treaty of portsmouth, 1905. This highlighted Russias humiliation and incompetence, leading to further lack of belief in the Tsarist regime, so therefore discontent for Nicholas II.

What was the name of the treaty signed after the war?

treaty of portsmouth. Russia wasn’t militarily ready forced to withdraw, and also leaders had to acknowledge Japans sovereignty in Korea, so admit that japan has korea. War efforts wasted. This highlighted Russias decline as a major power while Japan became one.

Which communication weakness was highlighted by Russias failure?

The incomplete expansion of the Trans-Siberian railway. The war highlighted Russias stagnated and underdeveloped infrastructure, meaning during the war troops and supplies would not be able to be moved efficiently, highlighting deep internal economic issues within Russia.

Which political reform was created, partly as a result of the Russo-Japanese war?

The October manifesto. Consisted of:

-Duma to be set up

-censorship loosened

-people having more rights.

Shows how military failure/humiliation of Russia caused internal unrest within russia, leading to the 1905 revolution.

Highlights the large extent to which Tsarist authority declined, leading Nicholas to make concessions to his own authority in order to maintain support. This would divide Nicholas’ opposition, and ensure that he maintained secure power.