Russo-Japanese war

• Causes: Russian expansionism, needed an ice-free port and to distract from home problems
• Outcome: loss of Manchuria, Korea and Port Arthur to Japan
• Reasons for Russian defeat: underestimation of Japanese strength, inadequate military planning, poor strategy and Japan's readiness, skill and spirit
• Course: Port Arthur fell to Japan in Jan 05, Russian surrender of Mukden Feb 05, Russian fleet destroyed at Tsuschima May 05, Russian surrender
• The Treaty of Portsmouth- said Russia was forced to withdraw from Port Arthur, South Sakhalin and South Manchuria. Russian leaders had to acknowledge Japanese sovereignty in Korea
• Similar to the Crimean war: revealed lack of military knowledge, led to doubts of the Tsar, led to signifigant reform, costly
• Russian public associated military incompetence with the Tsar, fuelled discontent at home, shows failure of railway and industry
• The Trans-Siberian railway was unfinished which meant troops and industry could not get to war
• poor working and living conditions increased discontent; reforms were enacted with the promise to raise living standards
• Rapid urbanisation in cities led to mounting health problems
• to introduction of Duma in hope Tsar would become accountable for actions; added element of democracy to Russia
• Duma weakened over time as Tsar wanted to adhere to 'autocracy, orthodoxy and nationality'
• The war highlighted problem of railways and communication in Russia since could not get supplies or troops due to unfinished Trans-Siberian railway line= resulting in investment and rapid urbanisation
• government increased spending by 50%