Russo- Japanese War- Unit 1 Flashcards
1
Q
When was the Russo-Japanese War?
A
1904-5
2
Q
What were Russia’s motives?
A
- Wanted expansionist policy Far East.
- Wanted ice- free port (northern coastline ports frozen over).
- Distract attention away from nations trouble by rallying patriotism and jingoism.
3
Q
Who drove the Russo-Japanese War?
A
Some believe Plehve (Interior Minister) others say Witte (Minister of Finance).
4
Q
What was the lead-up to the war?
A
- Japan seen as inferior.
- Had quarrelled for years over Korea and Manchuria.
- Prior, Russia had been threat to Japan because Chinese Eastern Railway and troops in Manchuria.
- Russia said they would withdraw from Chinese territory, but broke the promise leading to an attack on Pacific squadron at Port Arthur.
5
Q
What was the course of events in the war?
A
- Battle of Yalu- outnumbered 3-1, defeated.
- Siege of Port Arthur isolated 60,000 of Russian troops.
- December 1905, surrendered Port Arthur.
6
Q
When was the final defeat in the war?
A
Mukden, 1905.
7
Q
How did Russia’s weaknesses contribute to the loss?
A
- Poorly equipped.
- Overly confident, Plehve called it ‘a little victories war’.
- Logistic problems of running a war 6000 miles away.
- Commanders using 19th century tactics- bayonet charges.
8
Q
How did Japan’s strengths contribute to the loss?
A
- Under Maji Emperors, Japan had rapidly modernised.
9
Q
What were the consequences of the war?
A
- National humiliation.
- People doubted the tsars abilities.
- Unrest, assassination of Plehve 1904 celebrated.
- Treaty of Portsmouth, Russia had to withdraw from port Arthur, South Sakhalin and South Manchuria. Had to acknowledge Japan’s sovereignty over Russia.
