The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905)

Introduction

• The Russo-Japanese War marked a transformative period in naval warfare, emphasizing the importance of naval battles.
• The war had long-term consequences leading to the inevitability of World Wars I and II.
• Focus on the naval portion, specifically the Battle of Tsushima.

Background

• Meiji Restoration (1868): Japan's modernization, forming the Imperial Japanese Navy.
• Japan sought naval dominance, relying on Britain for naval development.
• Russia: Sought to increase its Pacific presence, with strong navies in the Baltic and Black Seas but needed a base in the East.
• Vladivostok: Acquired from China in 1860, became a naval base.
• Trans-Siberian Railroad: Started in 1871 to link Moscow with Vladivostok.

Pre-War Tensions

• China: Bought battleships from Germany in 1885; a threat to Japan.
• First Sino-Japanese War (1894): Japan's victory, Treaty of Shimonoseki expanded Japanese influence and ceded territories.
• Triple Intervention (1895): Russia, France, and Germany forced Japan to return the Liaodong Peninsula.
• Russo-Japanese Rivalry: Russia gained control of Port Arthur, creating tension with Japan.

Prelude to War

• Boxer Rebellion: Russia increased its presence in Manchuria, threatening Japan.
• Anglo-Japanese Alliance (1902): Britain allied with Japan against Russian expansion.
• Military Buildup: Japan and Russia expanded naval capabilities; battleships were central.

Outbreak of War

• February 1904: Japan's demand for Russia to demilitarize Manchuria was refused.
• February 8, 1904: Japan attacked Port Arthur before Russia was prepared, beginning the war.

Major Naval Engagements

Siege of Port Arthur

• Admiral Togo: Led Japanese naval operations.
• Initial Attacks: February 8th & 9th, 1904, torpedo attack on Russian ships at Port Arthur.
• Blockade: Ongoing skirmishes, Japanese efforts to mine the harbor.
• New Russian Command: Admiral Makarov replaced by Vid Gift after his death in April.

Battle of the Yellow Sea

• June 23, 1904: Russian fleet attempted to break out; repelled by Japanese forces.
• August 1904: Japan shelled and damaged Port Arthur’s harbor.

Battle of Tsushima

• May 26-28, 1905: Final decisive battle.
• Japanese Advantages: Superior speed, tactical maneuvers, and wireless communications.
• Outcome: Japanese victory, heavy Russian losses, and capture/surrender of Russian fleet.

Consequences

• Japanese Ascendance: Japan emerged as a significant Pacific power.
• Russian Decline: Humiliation contributed to the 1905 Russian Revolution.
• Historical Significance: First time an Asian power defeated a European power, altering global power dynamics.

Additional Information

• Sponsored by "World of Warships," a strategic naval battle game.
• Further details available in the Kings and Generals podcast and merchandise support.