Russo-Japagnese war

• significant as perception of nicholas alters as humiliated, was meant to be easy defeat
• • Background:
  • Japan's attack on Russian ships in Port Arthur in response to Russian annexations in Manchuria and Korea in 1903.
  • Disagreement within Russia: Witte opposed risky policies, foreseeing conflict with Japan.
  • Japanese Motivations:
  • Desire to negotiate with Russia over Korea.
  • Humiliation of Japanese minister in St. Petersburg fueled the attack.
  • Russian Underestimation:
  • Russians underestimated Japanese threat due to racism.
  • Belief that negotiations were unnecessary.
• • Feb 5/6 approx midnight : Japanese navy attack on Port Arthur, destroying 4 battleships.
  • Japanese gained control of sea with mines and torpedoes.
  • Siege of Port Arthur: 150,000 Japanese vs. 103,000 Russian soldiers and 30,000 railway guards.
  • Outcome:
  • Port Arthur surrendered in Jan 1905 having lost 28,200 troops
  • Loss of sea allowed Japanese to land troops, cutting off Russian forces.
  • Humiliating defeat of Baltic Fleet at Tsushima Straits in May 1905 the baltic fleet led by 8 battleships Destroyed within 45 mins at Tsushima by Japanese Navy. (major powers reconsidered russia naval stratergies)