Above: Map during Russo-Japanese War 1904-1905 (click map to enlarge)

An ambitious and expanding Russia in the Far East came into direct clash with Japan. The latter gave a fitting reply and became the first Asian power to snub a European country. The war was the outcome of a struggle by both countries to get control in Korea and Manchuria.

Above: Men seating on the shore before Russian Battleships at Port Arthur

In southern Manchuria at the tip of Liaotung Peninsula was Port Arthur. It was strategically important and in 1898 Russia had forced China to give it out on lease. Russia followed this up by occupying the region. Ironically a few years earlier Russia, in collusion with other European powers, had prevented Japan from taking over the area although the latter had defeated China in the Sino-Japanese war. Now firmly entrenched in Port Arthur Russia began to connive with Japan’s archenemy – China. The Trans-Siberian railway began to be built by Russia towards Vladivostik, across those parts of Manchuria that belonged to China. In the process Russia virtually got control over the whole of Manchuria.

Above: Russian Soldiers marching in Manchuria, China

By 1904 the rail link was completed. Despite this Russia still lacked the facilities required to strengthen its base at Manchuria. In sharp contrast Japan had steadily improved her armed strength since the last war with China in 1894. By 1904 its position was far better than that of Russia. When Russia refused to move from the peninsula Japan decided it was time to show her hands and force the issue.

Above: Map showing military movement of Japanese assault to Manchuria

In February 1904 Japan made a sudden attack and seized the Russian stronghold at Port Arthur. In March Japan brazenly invaded the whole of Korea. In May Japan landing on the Liaotung Peninsula cut off Russia from the rest of her army stationed in Manchuria. With quick rapidity Japan began to march northwards causing the Russians to retreat to Mukden after being defeated at two encounters at Fu-hsien and Liao-yang in June and August respectively. Even with reinforcements coming in via the rail link, the Russians proved to be no match against the Japanese. The military lacked proper leadership and drive.

Above: Unburied Russian Corpses at 203 Meter Hill near Port Arthur

Meanwhile Japan prepared for a long and costly siege of Port Arthur but events made things easy for the Asian power. The military commanders of the Russian garrison quarreled amongst themselves in the middle of corruption and inefficiency. The Russian commander hastily surrendered to the Japanese without consulting his colleagues and others. At that point of time this was a sheer foolhardy step by Russia because the garrison had enough supplies of food and ammunition to see it comfortably through another three months.

Above: Action scene during the war in Manchuria 1905

The last act of the drama was played out on the fields of Mukden in late February and March 1905. Blood flowed on both sides although the Russians outnumbered the Japanese. After stubbornly holding on, the Russians finally retreated from Mukden. Mukden fell to Japan.

Above: Map during the War in Tsushima 1905 (click map to enlarge)

However it was the naval victory in the Battle of Tsushima (May 1905) that decided the issue in favour of Japan. The Russians had been moderately active at Port Arthur and Vladivostok. This had prevented Japan from gaining absolute supremacy in the ocean. So the Russians decided to send a fleet. This fleet took the whole of summer of 1904 to make preparations for sailing. It finally did so from Liepaja on 15th October 1904. Off the Dogger Bank in the North Sea the incompetent Russians mistook British fishing vessel trawlers to belong to the enemy torpedo boats and opened fire. It led to a major crisis and imminent war with Britain was avoided only after profuse apologies and compensation from Russia. Near Madagascar the fleet was informed that Port Arthur had surrendered and the commander of the Russian fleet decided that the next best step would be to return to Russia. However he changed his mind upon hearing that reinforcements had been sent from the Baltic via the Suez. The two units met at Vietnam’s Camranh Bay. Apparently it was a formidable armada but the vessels were old and the crew lacked training. Japan’s Admiral Togo ambushed the ships off the coast of South Korea, while the latter were trying to push on to Vladivostok. In two days two thirds of the Russian ships were destroyed. Four were captured, four managed to go to Vladivostok and six crawled into neutral ports. After sailing for seven months the Baltic Fleet met with a tragic decisive end, just as it was on the point of reaching destination.

Above: Japanese battleship firing against enemy fleet (1905)

With this defeat Russia lost all hopes of ever regaining mastery of the oceans. The Japanese ships were far superior and swift. Nevertheless Japan too had reached a critical position. Her financial affairs were serious but the Russians failed to take advantage while Japan struck while the iron was hot because at that time sweeping political changes were overtaking Russia and there was nobody strong at the helm.

Above: Negotiation between Japanese and Russian delegates in a Treaty Room at Portsmouth

The talks were held at Portsmouth during August and September 1905, with the American President Roosevelt acting as mediator. By it Japan got Liaotung Peninsula together with Port Arthur as well as the railroad running through Manchuria and half of Sakhalin Island. Southern Manchuria was returned by Russia to China while Japan’s control of Korea was recognized.

Above: Picture of Tsar Nicholas II

Within two months of signing the treaty, Tsar Nicholas was forced to issue the October Manifesto and further weaken his own position as well as that of the upper class ruling elite.