Russo-Japanese War Flashcards
Why had relations between Russia and Japan worsened in 1898?
China gave Russia a 25-year lease of the ice-free port, Port Arthur, which angered Japan
Why did Minister of the Interior Plehve support the Russo-Japanese War?
A “short, victorious war” would distract from domestic problems caused by Russia’s disastrous economic situation
Why did Japan attack Port Arthur in 1904?
In 1903, Russia had promised to withdraw “temporary” troops from Manchuria, but they went back on their promise
How did Russia and Japan compare at the Battle of Yalu River?
Russian forces were outnumbered 3 to 1
How long did it take for the Russian Baltic fleet to arrive at the Far East?
8 months
Why was the “Orel” a remarkable Russian battleship?
It caught fire 34 times in a single day!
Why could the Russian ships not use the telescopic sights on their guns?
When the guns were fired, they stirred up dust on the ship, making it impossible to see
What territory did Russia have to give up in the Treaty of Portsmouth (USA)?
Port Arthur and South Manchuria
How did Witte minimise the losses from the Treaty of Portsmouth (USA)?
Russia did not have to pay indemnities
What was Nicholas II’s reaction to the Treaty of Portsmouth (USA)?
He refused to speak to Witte for two days
How did the Russo-Japanese War fuel social unrest?
Peasants lost husbands and sons, and the war caused food and fuel shortages and high prices.
How did the Russo-Japanese War serve as a catalyst for political reform?
Created the conditions for opposition groups to gain more supporters.
Led indirectly to Bloody Sunday - 150,000 St Petersburg workers marched to present a petition to the Tsar (the previous January, more than 80,000 workers marched in support of the Tsar!)
