Causes of Russo-Japanese War
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.
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.
Table of Content
- Summary of Russo-Japanese War
- Background
- Causes of Russo-Japanese War
- Key Battles in Russo-Japanese War
- Effect of Russo-Japanese War
- End of Russo-Japanese War