Emperor during the Russo-Japanese War. On the causes of the Russo-Japanese War

1904-1905, the causes of which are known to every schoolchild, had a great influence on the development of Russia in the future. Although it is now very easy to “sort out” the prerequisites, causes and consequences, in 1904 it was difficult to assume such an outcome.

Start

Russo-Japanese War 1904-1905, the reasons for which will be discussed below, began in January. The enemy fleet, without warning and obvious reasons, attacked the ships of Russian sailors. This happened for no apparent reason, but the consequences were great: the powerful ships of the Russian squadron became unnecessary broken garbage. Of course, Russia could not ignore such an event, and on February 10 war was declared.

Causes of the war

Despite the unpleasant episode with the ships, which dealt a significant blow, the official and main reason for the war was different. It was all about the expansion of Russia to the east. This is the underlying cause of the outbreak of war, but it began under a different pretext. The reason for the fury is the annexation of the Liaodong Peninsula, which previously belonged to Japan.

Reaction

How did the Russian people react to such an unexpected outbreak of war? This clearly outraged them, because how could Japan dare such a challenge? But the reaction of other countries was different. The USA and England determined their position and took the side of Japan. The press reports, which were very numerous in all countries, clearly indicated a negative reaction to the actions of the Russians. France declared a neutral position, as it needed the support of Russia, but soon she concluded an agreement with England, which worsened relations with Russia. In turn, Germany also declared neutrality, but Russia's actions were approved in the press.

Events

At the beginning of the war, the Japanese took a very active position. The course of the Russian Japanese war 1904-1905 could change dramatically from one extreme to another. The Japanese failed to conquer Port Arthur, but made many attempts. An army of 45 thousand soldiers was used for the assault. The army met strong resistance from Russian soldiers and lost almost half of its employees. It was not possible to hold the fortress. The reason for the defeat was the death of General Kondratenko in December 1904. If the general had not died, it would have been possible to keep the fortress for another 2 months. Despite this, Reis and Stessel signed the act, and the Russian fleet was destroyed. More than 30 thousand Russian soldiers were taken prisoner.

Only two battles of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 were really significant. The Mukden land battle took place in February 1905. It was rightfully considered the largest in history. It ended badly for both sides.

The second most important battle is Tsushima. It happened at the end of May 1905. Unfortunately, for the Russian army it was a defeat. The Japanese fleet was 6 times larger than the Russian one in terms of numbers. This could not but affect the course of the battle, so the Russian Baltic squadron was completely destroyed.

The Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, the causes of which we analyzed above, was in favor of Japan. Despite this, the country had to pay dearly for its leadership, because its economy was exhausted to the point of impossibility. It was this that prompted Japan to be the first to propose the terms of a peace treaty. In August, peace negotiations began in the city of Portsmouth. The Russian delegation was headed by Witte. The conference was a great diplomatic breakthrough for the domestic side. Despite the fact that everything was moving towards peace, violent protests took place in Tokyo. The people did not want to make peace with the enemy. However, peace was still concluded. At the same time, Russia suffered significant losses during the war.

What is worth only the fact that the Pacific Fleet was completely destroyed, and thousands of people sacrificed their lives for the Motherland. And yet, Russian expansion in the East was stopped. Of course, the people could not but discuss this topic, because it was clearly clear that the tsarist policy no longer had such power and power. Perhaps this was precisely what caused revolutionary sentiments to spread in the country, which eventually led to famous events 1905-1907.

Defeat

We already know the results of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905. And yet, why did Russia fail and fail to defend its policy? Researchers and historians believe that there are four reasons for this outcome. First, the Russian Empire was very isolated from the world stage in diplomatic terms. That is why a few supported her policy. If Russia had the support of the world, it would be easier to fight. Secondly, the Russian soldiers were not ready for war, especially in difficult conditions. The effect of surprise, which played into the hands of the Japanese, cannot be underestimated. The third reason is very banal and sad. It consists in multiple betrayals of the Motherland, betrayal, as well as in the complete mediocrity and helplessness of many generals.

The results of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 turned out to be losing also because Japan was much more developed in the economic and military spheres. This is what helped Japan gain a clear advantage. The Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, the reasons for which we have examined, was a negative event for Russia, which exposed all weaknesses.

It may seem strange, but for Russia today II World War not quite finished yet. The country does not have a peace treaty with one of the countries of the aggressive bloc. The reason is territorial issues.

This country is the Japanese Empire, the territory is the South Kuriles (they are now on everyone's lips). But is it really that they were not so divided by two great countries that they got involved in the world slaughter for the sake of these sea rocks?

No, naturally. The Soviet-Japanese War (it is correct to say so, since in 1945 Russia did not act as a separate entity international politics, acting exclusively as the main, but still only a constituent part of the USSR) had deep reasons behind it, which appeared far from 1945. And no one then thought that " Kuril question' will drag on for so long. Briefly about the Russo-Japanese War of 1945 will be told to the reader in the article.

5 laps

The reasons for the militarization of the Japanese Empire at the beginning of the 20th century are understandable - rapid industrial development, coupled with territorial and resource limitations. The country needed food, coal, metal. All of this was in the neighborhood. But they did not want to share just like that, and at that time no one considered war to be an unacceptable way to resolve international issues.

The first attempt was made in 1904-1905. Russia then shamefully lost to a tiny but disciplined and cohesive island state, having lost Port Arthur (everyone heard about it) and the southern part of Sakhalin in the Portsmouth Peace. And even then, such small losses became possible only thanks to the diplomatic talents of the future Prime Minister S. Yu. Witte (although he was nicknamed “Count Polusakhalinsky” for this, the fact remains).

In the 20s in the Country rising sun printed maps called "5 Circles of Japan's National Interests". There different colors in the form of stylized concentric rings, territories were designated, which ruling circles countries considered it right to conquer and annex. These circles captured, including almost the entire Asian part of the USSR.

Three tankers

In the late 1930s, Japan, which had already successfully waged wars of conquest in Korea and China, "tested the strength" of the USSR as well. There were conflicts in the area of Khalkhin Gol and on Lake Khasan.

It turned out bad. The Far Eastern conflicts laid the foundation for the brilliant career of the future “Marshal of Victory” G.K. Zhukov, and the entire USSR sang a song about three tankmen from the banks of the Amur, where there was a phrase about samurai under the pressure of steel and fire (later it was redone, but the original version is exactly that) .

Although Japan agreed with its allies on the distribution of future spheres of influence under the Anti-Comintern Pact (also called the Berlin-Rome-Tokyo Axis, although it takes a lot of imagination to understand what the axis looks like in the understanding of the author of such a term), it did not specify when exactly each side must take its own.

The Japanese authorities did not consider themselves so bound by obligations, and the events in the Far East showed them that the USSR was a dangerous adversary. Therefore, in 1940, an agreement was concluded between the two countries on neutrality in the event of war, and in 1941, when Germany attacked the USSR, Japan chose to deal with Pacific issues.

Allied debt

But the USSR also did not have much respect for treaties, therefore, within the framework of the anti-Hitler coalition, talk immediately began about its entry into the war with Japan (the United States was shocked by Pearl Harbor, and England was afraid for its colonies in South Asia). During the Tehran Conference (1943), a preliminary agreement was reached on the entry of the USSR into the war in the Far East after the defeat of Germany in Europe. The final decision was made during the Yalta Conference, when it was announced that the USSR would declare war on Japan no later than 3 months after the defeat of Hitler.

But the USSR was not led by philanthropists. The country's leadership had its own interest in this matter, and not only provided assistance to the allies. For participation in the war, they were promised the return of Port Arthur, Harbin, South Sakhalin and Kuril ridge(transferred to Japan under an agreement by the tsarist government).

Atomic blackmail

There was another good reason for the Soviet-Japanese War. By the time the war in Europe ended, it was already clear that the Anti-Hitler coalition was fragile, so that soon the allies would turn into enemies. At the same time, the Red Army of “Comrade Mao” fought fearlessly in China. Relations between him and Stalin - complex issue, but there was no time for ambition, since it was about the possibility of grandly expanding the space controlled by the communists at the expense of China. It took a little for this - to defeat the almost one million Kwantung Japanese army stationed in Manchuria.

The United States, on the other hand, did not want to fight the Japanese face to face. Although their technical and numerical superiority allowed them to win at a low cost (for example, the landing on Okinawa in the spring of 1945), the spoiled Yankees were very frightened by military samurai morality. The Japanese equally cold-bloodedly cut off the heads of captured American officers with swords and made themselves hara-kiri. In Okinawa, there were almost 200 thousand Japanese dead, and a few prisoners - officers ripped their stomachs open, ordinary and local residents drowned themselves, but no one wanted to surrender to the mercy of the winner. Yes, and the famous kamikaze was taken, rather, by moral influence - they did not achieve their goals very often.

Therefore, the United States went the other way - atomic blackmail. There was not a single military in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. atomic bombs destroyed 380 thousand (in total amount) civilian population. The atomic "scarecrow" was supposed to restrain Soviet ambitions.

Realizing that Japan would inevitably capitulate, many Western leaders were already regretting that they had embroiled the USSR in the Japanese question.

forced march

But in the USSR at that time, blackmailers were categorically not loved. The country denounced the neutrality pact and declared war on Japan right on time - August 8, 1945 (exactly 3 months after the defeat of Germany). It was already known not only about the successful atomic tests, but also about the fate of Hiroshima.

Prior to that, there had been a serious preparatory work. Since 1940, the Far Eastern Front existed, but it did not conduct hostilities. After the defeat of Hitler, the USSR carried out a unique maneuver - 39 brigades and divisions (tank and 3 combined arms armies) were transferred from Europe along the only railway line of the Trans-Siberian Railway during May-July, which amounted to about half a million people, more than 7000 guns and more than 2000 tanks. It was an incredible indicator of moving in such a short time and in such adverse conditions so many people and equipment over such a distance.

The command also picked up a decent one. General management was carried out by Marshal A. M. Vasilevsky. And the main blow to the Kwantung Army was to be delivered by R. Ya. Malinovsky. Mongolian units fought in alliance with the USSR.

Excellence is different

As a result of the successful transfer of troops, the USSR achieved unequivocal superiority over the Japanese in the Far East. The Kwantung Army numbered about 1 million soldiers (rather, somewhat less, since the units were understaffed) and was provided with equipment and ammunition. But the equipment was outdated (compared to the Soviet one, then the pre-war model), and among the soldiers there were many recruits, as well as forcibly drafted representatives of the conquered nationalities.

The USSR, having combined the forces of the Trans-Baikal Front and the arriving units, could field up to 1.5 million people. And most of them were experienced, shelled front-line soldiers who went through the Crimea and Rome on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War. Suffice it to say that 3 departments and 3 divisions of the NKVD troops took part in the hostilities. And only the victims of the "revealing" articles of the 90s can believe that these units only knew how to shoot the wounded, trying to go to the rear or suspect honest people of betrayal. Anything happened, of course, but ... There were no detachments behind the NKVD - they themselves never retreated. These were very combat-ready, well-trained troops.

Take in pincers

This aviation term best describes the strategic plan called the Manchurian operation of R. Ya. Malinovsky to defeat the Kwantung Army. It was assumed that a simultaneous very powerful blow would be delivered in several directions, which would demoralize and split the enemy.

So it was. Japanese General Otsuzo Yamada was amazed when it turned out that the guards of the 6th tank army capable of overcoming the Gobi and the Greater Khingan in 3 days, advancing from the territory of Mongolia. The mountains were steep, moreover, the rainy season spoiled the roads and brought mountain rivers out of their banks. But the Soviet tankers, who were almost able to carry their vehicles on their hands through the Belarusian swamps during Operation Bagration, could not be prevented by some streams and rain!

At the same time, strikes were launched from Primorye and from the Amur and Ussuri regions. This was how the Manchurian operation was carried out - the main one in the entire Japanese campaign.

8 days that shook the Far East

That is how much (from August 12 to August 20) the main fighting Russo-Japanese War (1945). A terrible simultaneous blow from three fronts (in some areas the Soviet troops managed to advance more than 100 km in one day!) split the Kwantung Army at once, deprived it of some of its communications, and demoralized it. The Pacific Fleet interrupted the communication of the Kwantung Army with Japan, the opportunity to receive assistance was lost, and even contacts were limited in general (there was a minus here - many groups of soldiers of the defeated army were not at all aware for a long time that they had been ordered to surrender). A massive desertion of recruits and forcibly drafted began; officers committed suicide. The "emperor" of the puppet state of Manchukuo Pu Yi and General Otsuzo were captured.

In turn, the USSR perfectly organized the supply of its units. Although it was possible to carry out this almost exclusively with the help of aviation (huge distances and the absence of normal roads interfered), heavy transport aircraft did an excellent job. Soviet troops occupied vast territories in China, as well as the north of Korea (now the DPRK). On August 15, Hirohito, Emperor of Japan, announced over the radio the need for surrender. The Kwantung Army received orders only on the 20th. But even before September 10, individual detachments continued hopeless resistance, trying to die undefeated.

The events of the Soviet-Japanese war continued to develop at a rapid pace. Simultaneously with the actions on the continent, steps were taken to defeat the Japanese garrisons on the islands. On August 11, the 2nd Far Eastern Front began operations in the south of Sakhalin. The main task was the capture of the Koton fortified area. Although the Japanese blew up the bridge, trying to prevent tanks from breaking through, this did not help - to build a temporary crossing from improvised means Soviet soldiers it only took one night. The battalion of Captain L.V. Smirnykh especially distinguished himself in the battles for the fortified area. He died there, receiving the posthumous title of hero Soviet Union. At the same time, ships of the North Pacific Flotilla landed troops in the largest ports in the south of the island.

The fortified area was captured on August 17. The surrender of Japan (1945) took place on the 25th, after the last successful landing in the port of Korsakov. From it they tried to take valuable things home. The whole of Sakhalin was controlled by the USSR.

However, the South Sakhalin operation of 1945 was somewhat slower than planned by Marshal Vasilevsky. As a result, the landing on the island of Hokkaido and its occupation did not take place, about which the marshal gave orders on August 18.

Kuril landing operation

The islands of the Kuril chain were also captured by amphibious landings. The Kuril landing operation lasted from August 18 to September 1. At the same time, in fact, battles were fought only for the northern islands, although military garrisons were located on all. But after fierce battles for the island of Shumshu, the commander of the Japanese troops in the Kuriles, Fusaki Tsutsumi, who was there, agreed to capitulate and surrendered himself. After that, the Soviet paratroopers no longer encountered any significant resistance on the islands.

August 23-24 were the occupation of the Northern Kuriles, from the 22nd the occupation began and southern islands. In all cases, for this purpose, the Soviet command allocated landing units, but more often the Japanese surrendered without a fight. The largest forces were allocated to occupy the island of Kunashir (this name is now well-known), since it was decided to create a military base there. But Kunashir also surrendered virtually without a fight. Several small garrisons managed to evacuate to their homeland.

Battleship Missouri

And on September 2 on board the American battleship"Missouri" signed the final surrender of Japan (1945). This fact marked the end of World War II (not to be confused with the Great Patriotic War!). The USSR was represented at the ceremony by General K. Derevyanko.

Little blood

For such a large-scale event, the Russo-Japanese War of 1945 (you learned briefly about it from the article) cost the USSR inexpensively. In total, the number of victims is estimated at 36.5 thousand people, of which a little more than 21 thousand died.

Japanese losses in the Soviet-Japanese War were more extensive. They had more than 80 thousand dead, more than 600 thousand were taken prisoner. Approximately 60 thousand prisoners died, the rest were almost all repatriated even before the signing of the San Francisco peace. First of all, those soldiers of the Japanese army who were not Japanese by nationality were sent home. The exception was those participants in the Russo-Japanese War of 1945 who were convicted of war crimes. A significant part of them was handed over to China, and it was for that - the conquerors dealt with the participants of the Chinese Resistance, or at least those suspected of this, with medieval cruelty. Later in China, this topic was revealed in the legendary film "Red Kaoliang".

The disproportionate ratio of losses in the Russo-Japanese War (1945) is explained by the clear superiority of the USSR in technical equipment and the level of training of soldiers. Yes, the Japanese sometimes offered fierce resistance. At the height of Ostraya (Khotou fortified area), the garrison fought to the last bullet; the survivors committed suicide, not a single prisoner was taken. There were also suicide bombers who threw grenades under tanks or groups of Soviet soldiers.

But they did not take into account that they were not dealing with Americans who were very afraid of dying. Soviet fighters themselves knew how to close the loopholes with themselves, and it was not easy to scare them. Very soon they learned to detect and neutralize such kamikaze in time.

Down with the Portsmouth Shame

As a result of the Soviet-Japanese War of 1945, the USSR got rid of the shame of the Peace of Portsmouth, which ended the hostilities of 1904-1905. He again owned the entire Kuril ridge and all of Sakhalin. The Kwantung Peninsula also passed to the USSR (this territory was then transferred to China by agreement after the proclamation of the PRC).

What else is the significance of the Soviet-Japanese War in our history? The victory in it also contributed to the spread of communist ideology, so successfully that the result outlived its creator. The USSR no longer exists, but the PRC and the DPRK do not exist, and they do not get tired of astonishing the world with their economic achievements and military power.

Unfinished War

But the most interesting thing is that the war with Japan is not actually over for Russia yet! A peace treaty between the two states does not exist to this day, and today's problems around the status Kuril Islands is a direct consequence of this.

The general peace treaty was signed in 1951 in San Francisco, but there was no sign of the USSR under it. The reason was just the Kuril Islands.

The fact is that the text of the treaty indicated that Japan was refusing them, but did not say to whom they should belong. This immediately created grounds for future conflicts, and for this reason the Soviet representatives did not sign the treaty.

However, it was impossible to be in a state of war forever, and in 1956 the two countries signed a declaration in Moscow to end this state. On the basis of this document, there are now diplomatic and economic relations. But a declaration to end the state of war is not a peace treaty. That is, the situation is half-hearted again!

The declaration stated that the USSR, after the conclusion of a peace treaty, agreed to transfer back to Japan several islands of the Kuril chain. But the Japanese government immediately began to demand the entire South Kuriles!

This story continues to this day. Russia continues it as the legal successor of the USSR.

In 2012, the head of one of the Japanese prefectures that was badly affected by the tsunami, in gratitude for Russian assistance in the aftermath of the disaster, presented President Vladimir Putin with a thoroughbred puppy. In response, the president gave the prefect a huge Siberian cat. The cat is now almost on the payroll of the prefect's office, and all the employees adore and respect him.

This cat's name is Mir. Maybe he can purr rapport between two great nations. Because wars must end, and after them it is necessary to make peace.

The confrontation between Russia and Japan for control over Manchuria, Korea, the ports of Port Arthur and Dalniy were main reason the beginning of a tragic war for Russia.

The fighting began with an attack by the Japanese fleet, which on the night of February 9, 1904, without declaring war, launched a surprise attack on the Russian squadron near the naval base of Port Arthur.

In March 1904, the Japanese army landed in Korea, and in April - in the south of Manchuria. Under the blows of superior enemy forces, the Russian troops left the Jinzhou position in May and blocked Port Arthur 3 by the Japanese army. In the battle of June 14-15 at Vafangou, the Russian army retreated.

In early August, the Japanese landed on the Liaodong Peninsula and laid siege to the fortress of Port Arthur. On August 10, 1904, the Russian squadron made an unsuccessful attempt to break through from Port Arthur, as a result, individual escaped ships were interned in neutral ports, and the Novik cruiser near Kamchatka died in an unequal battle.

The siege of Port Arthur lasted from May 1904 and fell on January 2, 1905. The main goal of Japan was achieved. The battles in Northern Manchuria were of an auxiliary nature, because. the Japanese did not have the strength and means to occupy it and the entire Russian Far East.

The first major battle on land near Liaoyang (August 24 - September 3, 1904) led to the retreat of Russian troops to Mukden. The meeting battle on October 5-17 on the Shahe River and the attempt of the Russian troops to advance on January 24, 1905 in the Sandepu area were unsuccessful.

After the largest Mukden battle (February 19 - March 10, 1905), Russian troops withdrew to Telin, and then to Sypingai positions 175 km north of Mukden. Here they met the end of the war.

Formed after the death of the Russian fleet in Port Arthur, 2 Pacific made a six-month transition to the Far East. However, in the hours-long battle at Fr. Tsushima (May 27, 1905) she was crushed and destroyed by superior enemy forces.

Russian military losses, according to official figures, amounted to 31,630 killed, 5,514 died of wounds and 1,643 died in captivity. Russian sources estimated the losses of Japan as more significant: 47,387 people were killed, 173,425 were wounded, 11,425 died from wounds and 27,192 from diseases.

According to foreign sources the losses in killed, wounded and sick of Japan and Russia are comparable, and the Russian prisoners were several times more than the Japanese.

Results of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905.

For Russia . She ceded to Japan the Liaodong Peninsula along with a branch of the South Manchurian railway and the southern half of Sakhalin. Russian troops were withdrawn from Manchuria, and Korea was recognized as a sphere of influence of Japan.

Russia's positions in China and throughout the Far East were undermined. The country lost its position as one of the largest maritime powers, abandoned the "oceanic" strategy and returned to the "continental" strategy. Russia has reduced international trade and tightened domestic policy.

The main reason for the defeat of Russia in this war is the weakness of the fleet and poor logistics.

Defeat in the war led to military reforms and a marked improvement in combat training. The troops, especially the command staff, gained combat experience, which later proved itself in the First World War.

Losing the war was the catalyst for the first Russian revolution. Despite its suppression by 1907, the Russian empire did not recover from this blow and ceased to exist.

For Japan . Psychologically and politically, Japan's victory demonstrated to Asia the ability to defeat the Europeans. Japan has become a great power European level development. It began to dominate Korea and coastal China, began active naval construction, and by the end of World War I had become the third maritime power in the world.

Geopolitical. All positions of Russia in the Pacific region were practically lost, it abandoned the eastern (southeastern) direction of expansion and turned its attention to Europe, the Middle East and the Straits zone.

Relations with England improved and an agreement was signed on the delimitation of spheres of influence in Afghanistan. The Anglo-French-Russian alliance "Entente" was finally formed. The balance of power in Europe shifted temporarily in favor of the Central Powers.

Anatoly Sokolov

The article briefly tells about the Russo-Japanese war of 1904-1905. This war became one of the most shameful in Russian history. The expectation of a "small victorious war" turned into a disaster.

Introduction
Course of the Russo-Japanese War
Results of the Russo-Japanese War

Causes of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905

The main prerequisite for the outbreak of war was the growth of imperialist contradictions at the turn of the century. The European powers sought to partition China. Russia, which did not have colonies in other parts of the world, was interested in the maximum penetration of its capital into China and Korea. This desire went against the plans of Japan. The rapidly developing Japanese industry also demanded the capture of new territories for the allocation of capital.
The Russian government did not take into account the increased combat capability of the Japanese army. In the event of a quick and decisive victory, it was planned to significantly reduce the revolutionary mood in the country. The Japanese elite relied on chauvinistic sentiments in society. It was planned to create a Greater Japan through territorial seizures.

Course of the Russo-Japanese War

At the end of January 1904, the Japanese attacked Russian ships based in Port Arthur without declaring war. And already in June, the successful actions of the Japanese led to the complete defeat of the Russian Pacific squadron. The Baltic fleet sent to help (the 2nd squadron), after a six-month transition, was utterly defeated by Japan in the Battle of Tsushima (May 1905). Sending the 3rd squadron became meaningless. Russia has lost the main trump card in its strategic plans. The defeat was the result of an underestimation of the Japanese fleet, which consisted of the latest warships. The reasons were the insufficient training of Russian sailors, obsolete Russian warships at that time, defective ammunition.
In military operations on land, Russia also found itself significantly behind in many respects. The General Staff did not take into account the experience of recent wars. Military science adhered to outdated concepts and principles of the era Napoleonic Wars. It was assumed the accumulation of the main forces, followed by a massive blow. The Japanese strategy, led by foreign advisers, relied on the development of maneuver operations.
The Russian command under the leadership of General Kuropatkin acted passively and indecisively. The Russian army suffered its first defeat near Liaoyang. By June 1904, Port Arthur was surrounded. The defense held out for six months, which can be regarded as the only Russian success in the entire war. In December, the port was surrendered to the Japanese. The decisive battle on land was the so-called "Mukden meat grinder" (February 1905), as a result of which the Russian army was practically surrounded, but managed to retreat at the cost of heavy losses. Russian losses amounted to about 120 thousand people. This failure, together with the Tsushima tragedy, showed the futility of further military operations. The situation was complicated by the fact that the "victorious war" caused a revolution in Russia itself.
It was the revolution that had begun and the unpopularity of the war in society that forced Russia to enter into peace negotiations. The Japanese economy was significantly damaged by the war. Japan was inferior to Russia both in terms of the number of armed forces and material capabilities. Even a successful continuation of the war would lead Japan to economic crisis. Therefore, Japan, having won a number of spectacular victories, was content with this and also sought to conclude a peace treaty.

Results of the Russo-Japanese War

In August 1905, the Peace of Portsmouth was concluded, containing humiliating conditions for Russia. Japan included South Sakhalin, Korea, Port Arthur. The Japanese gained control of Manchuria. Russia's authority on the world stage has been greatly undermined. Japan has demonstrated that its army is combat-ready and armed with the latest technology.
In general, Russia was forced to abandon active operations in the Far East.

Briefly about the Russo-Japanese War

Russian - yaponskaya voyna (1904 - 1905)

Russo-Japanese War beginning
Russo-Japanese War reasons
Russo-Japanese War stages
Russo-Japanese War results

The Russo-Japanese War, summarized, was the result of a complex relationship between the two countries, which arose due to the expansion Russian Empire in the Far East. The country was experiencing an economic upswing and there was an opportunity to increase its influence, primarily on Korea and China. This, in turn, caused strong dissatisfaction in Japan.

The reasons for the war are Russia's attempt to spread its influence in the Far East. The reason for the war was the lease of the Liaodong Peninsula by Russia from China and the occupation of Manchuria, which Japan itself had views of.

The demands of the Japanese government to leave Manchuria meant the loss of the Far East, which was impossible for Russia. In such a situation, both sides began preparations for war.
Describing the Russo-Japanese war briefly, it should be noted that in the highest circles of power there was hope that Japan would not dare to take military action with Russia. Nicholas II had a different opinion.

By the beginning of 1903, Japan was completely ready for war and was just waiting for a convenient excuse to start it. The Russian authorities, on the other hand, acted indecisively, never fully realizing their plans to prepare a military campaign in the Far East. This led to a threatening situation - the military forces of Russia were in many ways inferior to the Japanese. Quantity ground forces and military equipment was almost half that of Japan. For example, in terms of the number of destroyers, the Japanese fleet had a threefold superiority over the Russian.

However, the Russian government, as if not seeing these facts, continued to expand in relation to the Far East, and decided to use the war with Japan itself as an opportunity to distract the people from serious social problems.

The war began on January 27, 1904. The Japanese fleet suddenly attacked Russian ships near the city of Port Arthur. It was not possible to capture the city itself, but the most combat-ready Russian ships were put out of action. Japanese troops were able to land unhindered in Korea. The railway communication between Russia and Port Arthur was broken, and the siege of the city began. In December, the garrison, after suffering several heavy attacks by the Japanese troops, was forced to surrender, while flooding the remnants of the Russian fleet so that it would not fall to Japan. The surrender of Port Arthur actually meant the loss of the Russian army.

On land, Russia was also losing the war. The Mukden battle, the largest at that time, the Russian troops could not win and retreated. The Battle of Tsushima destroyed the Baltic fleet.

But Japan was also so exhausted by the ongoing war that it decided to go to peace talks. She achieved her goals and did not want to waste her resources and strength further. The Russian government agreed to the conclusion of peace. In Portsmouth, in August 1905, Japan and Russia signed a peace treaty. It cost the Russian side dearly. According to him, Port Arthur, as well as southern part The Sakhalin Peninsula now belonged to Japan, and Korea finally fell under its influence.
In the Russian Empire, losing the war increased dissatisfaction with the authorities.

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