Russian Japanese war 1904 1905 briefly. Russia War with Japan

One of the largest confrontations is the Russian-Japanese War of 1904-1905. The reasons will be considered in the article. As a result of the conflict, the guns of battleships, long-range artillery, the destroyers were applied.

The essence of this war consisted of which of the two fighting empires will dominate the Far East. The Emperor of Russia Nikolai The second considered his priority to strengthen the influence of his power in East Asia. At the same time, the Emperor of Japan Maidzi sought to get full control over Korea. The war has become inevitable.

Conflict background

It is clear that the Russian-Japanese war of 1904-1905 (causes are associated with the Far East) began not instantly. She had her own prerequisites.

Russia has advanced in Central Asia to the border with Afghanistan and Persion, which affected the interests of Great Britain. Without the opportunity to expand in this direction, the empire switched to the east. There was China, which because of complete exhaustion in opium wars and was forced to convey Russia part of the territory. So she got under its control Primorye (the territory of modern Vladivostok), Kuril Islands, partly Sakhalin Island. To connect the distant frontiers, a Trans-Siberian Highway was created, which provided the link between the Chelyabinsk and Vladivostok through the railway line. In addition to the railway, Russia planned to trade on the non-freezing Yellow Sea through Port Arthur.

In Japan, at the same time there were their conversion. Having come to power, Emperor Maidie stopped the politics of self-insulation and began modernizing the state. All his reforms were so successful that a quarter of a century after their starts began, the empire could seriously think about military expansion into other states. China and Korea became the first goals. Japan's victory over China allowed her to get the rights to Korea in 1895, Taiwan Island and other lands.

The conflict was called between two strong empires for domination in East Asia. The result was the Russian-Japanese war of 1904-1905. The reasons for the conflict should be considered in more detail.

The main causes of war

For both powers it was extremely important to show their fighting achievements, so the Russian-Japanese War of 1904-1905 unfolded. The reasons for this confrontation lies not only in claims to the territory of China, but also in domestic political situations that have developed in both empires by this time. A successful campaign in the war not only gives the winner economic benefits, but also increases its status on the world stage and makes itching the opponents of the power existing in it. What did both states in this conflict calculated? What were the main causes of the Russian-Japanese war 1904-1905? The table below discloses the answers to these questions.

It is because of the fact that both powers sought to armed resolution of the conflict, all diplomatic negotiations did not bring results.

The ratio of forces on land

The reasons for the Russian-Japanese war 1904-1905 were both economic and political. The 23rd Artillery Brigade was sent to the Eastern Front from Russia. As for the numerical advantage of armies, the leadership belonged to Russia. However, 150 thousand people were limited in the east of the army. At the same time, they were scattered through an extensive territory.

• Vladivostok - 45000 people.
• Manchuria - 28000 people.
• Port Arthur - 22,000 people.
• Current security - 35,000 people.
• Artillery, engineering troops - up to 8000 people.

The greatest problem of the Russian army was remoteness from the European part. Communication was carried out by telegraph, and the delivery was the line of CER. However, by rail, it was possible to deliver a limited amount of cargo. In addition, the leadership did not have accurate locality maps that had a negative impact during the war.

Japan before the war had an army of 375 thousand people. They studied the terrain well, had fairly accurate cards. The army was modernized by English experts, and soldiers were devoted to their emperor to death.

Water Force Ratio

In addition to sushi, the battles were held and on the water led the Fleet of Japan Admiral Heihatiro Togo. His task was to block the enemy squadron near Port Arthur. In another sea (Japanese), the squadron of the rising sun opposed the Vladivostok group of cruisers.

Understanding the reasons for the Russian-Japanese war 1904-1905, Maidzi Power prepared for fighting on water thoroughly. The most important ships of her connected fleet were produced in England, France, Germany and significantly exceeded the Russian vessel.

Main events of war

When in February 1904, Japanese forces began to transfer to Korea, the Russian command did not give any importance, although they were clear the causes of the Russian-Japanese war 1904-1905.

Briefly about the main events.

• 09.02.1904. The historical fight of the Varyag cruiser against the Japanese squadron near the cheek.
• 27.02.1904. Japanese fleet attacked Russian Port Arthur without declaring war. The Japanese first applied torpedoes and disabled 90% of the Pacific Fleet.
• April 1904. The collision of the armies on land, which showed the unwillingness of Russia to the war (mismatch of the form, non-commission of military maps, inability to fencing). Because of the presence of Russian officers of white nods, the Japanese soldiers were easily calculated and killed.
• May 1904. Taking by the Japanese Port Far.
• August 1904. Successful defense of Russian Port Arthur.
• January 1905. Delivery of Port Arthur Stressem.
• May 1905. The sea battle under Tsuisim destroyed the Russian squadron (one ship returned to Vladivostok), while not a single ship of Japan suffered.
• July 1905. Invasion of Japanese troops on Sakhalin.

Russian-Japanese war 1904-1905, the reasons for which were economic, led to the depletion of both powers. Japan began to look for ways to resolve the conflict. She resorted to the help of the United Kingdom and the United States.

Battle at Chelpo

The famous battle took place on 09.02.1904 off the coast of Korea (the city of Chelpo). Two Russian ships commanded Captain Vsevolod Rudnev. It was the "Varyag" cruiser and the Korean boat. The squadron of Japan under the command of Shokyati Urim consisted of 2 armadors, 4 cruisers, 8 destroyers. They blocked Russian ships and forced to enter into battle.

In the morning, in clear weather, "Varyag" with "Korean" starred from the anchors and tried to get out of the bay. In honor of the exit from the port, music began to play, but just five minutes on the deck struck the alarm. Rose combat flag.

The Japanese did not expect such actions and expected to destroy Russian ships in the port. The enemy's squadron in a hurry raised anchor, combat flags and began to prepare for battle. Began battle with a shot from Asama. Next was the battle with the use of armor-piercing and fugasal shells on both sides.

In the unequal forces of "Varyag" was badly damaged, and Rudnev decided to turn back to anchor parking. There, the Japanese could not continue the shelling because of the danger damage the ships of other states.

Having lower anchor, the Varyag team began to study the state of the ship. In the meantime, Rudnev went for the permission to destroy the cruiser and transfer his team to neutral ships. Not all officers supported the decision of Rudnev, but two hours later the team was evacuated. "Varyag" decided to sink by opening his gateways. The bodies of dead sailors left on the cruiser.

The Korean boat was decided to blow up by evacuating the team before this. All things left on the vessel, and the secret documents burned.

Sailors were adopted by French, English and Italian ships. After all necessary procedures, they were delivered to Odessa and Sevastopol, from where they were disbanded on a fleet. They could not continue to participate in the Russian-Japanese conflict by agreement, so they were not allowed on the Pacific fleet.

Results of war

The peace treaty Japan agreed to sign in total Russia's surrender, in which the revolution has already begun. According to the Portsmun Peace Agreement (08.23.1905), Russia was obliged to fulfill the following items:

1. Remove the claims to Manchuria.
2. Refuse in favor of Japan from the Kuril Islands and Halves of Sakhalin Island.
3. Recognize Japan the right to Korea.
4. Transfer Japan Right to rent Port Arthur.
5. Pay Japan to contribute to the "Custom content".

In addition, the defeat in the war had negative consequences for Russia in economic terms. Stagnation began in some industries, because their lending from foreign banks decreased. Life in the country has increased significantly. Industrialists insisted in the soon imprisonment of the world.

Even those countries that first supported Japan (Great Britain and the United States) understood how heavy the situation in Russia is. The war must have been discontinued to direct all the forces to fight against the revolution, which the world states were equally completely afraid.

Mass movements began among workers and servicemen. A striking example is the uprising on the battleship "Potemkin".

The reasons and results of the Russian-Japanese war 1904-1905 are understandable. It remains to find out what was the loss in the human equivalent. Russia lost 270 thousand, of which 50 thousand were killed. Japan lost the same number of soldiers, but there were more than 80 thousand killed.

Estimated judgments

The Russian-Japanese war of 1904-1905, the reasons for which they were economic and political in nature, showed serious problems within the Russian Empire. This was also wrote and the war revealed problems in the army, its armament, command, as well as misses in diplomacy.

Japan was not fully satisfied with the outcome of the negotiations. The state lost too much in the fight against the European enemy. She counted to get more territory, but the United States did not support her. Inside the country began to crumble discontent, and Japan continued the path of militarization.

Russian-Japanese war 1904-1905, the reasons for which were considered, brought many military tricks:

• use of spotlights;
• the use of wire barrage under the high voltage current;
• field kitchen;
• radiotelegraph for the first time allowed to manage ships at a distance;
• transition to oil fuel that does not produce smoke and makes ships less noticeable;
• the appearance of ships - mine barrels, which began to be carried out with the spread of mine weapons;
• flamets.

One of the heroic battles of the war with Japan is the Battle of the Varyag Cruiser at Chelpo (1904). Together with the ship "Korean", they opposed the whole escord of the enemy. The battle was deliberately lost, but the sailors still attempted to break through. She was unsuccessful, and in order not to give up, the crew headed by Rudnev was sinking their ship. For courage and heroism, they were awarded the praise of Nikolai second. The Japanese also struck the character and persistence of Rudnev and his sailors that they were awarded him in 1907 by the Order of the Rising Sun. The captain of the sunken cruiser accepted the reward, but never put it.

There is a version in which Stresser passed the Japanese Port Arthur for remuneration. As far as this version is correct, check no longer possible. Whatever it was, because of his act, the campaign was doomed to failure. For this, the general was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in the fortress, but he was pardoned a year after imprisonment. He was deprived of all the ranks and awards, leaving the retirement.

The Russian-Japanese war briefly.

Causes of the start of war with Japan.

In the period 1904, Russia led the active development of land of the Far East, developing trade and industry. The country of the rising sun blocking access to these lands, at that time she occupied China and Korea. But the fact is that under the department of Russia there was one of the territories of China - Manchuria. Here is one of the main reasons for the beginning of the war. In addition to this, Russia, by the decision of the triple union, was given to the Liaodan Peninsula, which belonged to the Japan once. Thus, Russia has disagreements with Japan, and the struggle for domination in the Far East arose.

The course of events of the Russian-Japanese war.

Using the effect of surprise, Japan attacked Russia in the place of Port Arthur. After disembarking the landing troops of Japan at the Kwantunsky Peninsula, Port Atrut remained cut off from the outside world, and respectively helpless. After two months, he was forced to resort to surrender. Further, the Russian army loses the battle of Liaoyan and the battle with Mukden. Until the first world war, these battles were considered the most large-scale in the history of the Russian state.

After the battle of the Tsushim, almost the entire Soviet flotilla was crushed. Events unfolded on the yellow sea. After another battle, Russia loses the Sakhalin peninsula in unequal battle. General Kurophatkin, the leader of the Soviet Army for some reason applied passive struggle tactics. In his opinion, it was necessary to wait until the strengths and reserves of the enemy would be on the outcome. And the king at that time did not give it much importance, since the revolution began on the territory of Russia.

When both sides of hostilities were morally and materially exhausted, they agreed to sign a peace treaty in American Portsmouth in 1905.

Results of the Russian-Japanese war.

Russia lost the southern part of his Sakhalin Peninsula. Manchuria has now become a neutral territory, and from there all troops were bred. Oddly enough, but the contract was conducted on equal conditions, and not as a winner with defeated.

The main reason for the start of the war between Japan and Russia in 1904 lies on the surface 1. The geopolitical ambitions of these powers collided in Northeast Asia. But, as in many other armed conflicts, the immediate causes of the war are more confusing.

These are the plans of Russia for the construction of the railway at the Russian Far East, and the victory of Japan in the war with China in 1895, and the project of some Petersburg guards officers to open a logging enterprise on the Yal River, and the concerns of Tokyo about the influence of St. Petersburg in Korea. A random, non-permanent diplomacy played a big role.

But, as in the case of the beginning of the First World War, a clear understanding of how the Russian-Japanese conflict broke out, can bring us out of historical science.

The answer relates to an important, but often the difficult concept of diplomacy, namely, the honor 2. When attempts to encroacitate the international authority of the state can be considered as dangerous as a military invasion of its territory. Alexander II once stated that in the lives of states, as in the life of any person, the moments occur when you need to forget everything, except for protecting your own credit 3.

Confusion on the singing bridge

Russia and Japan went to war from 1895, since the Japanese caused a spectacular defeat by the Chinese in a short conflict for Korea. Russian attempt to prevent Japan to entrenched in Chinese territory caused extreme outrage in the island empire. And Russian intervention began after the conclusion of April 17, 1895 of the Simonoski peace treaty, denoting the end of the Sino-Japanese war. Among the requirements of the Japanese side, the possession of the Liaodong Peninsula was not far from Beijing with a strategically important Marine Base of Port Arthur. The Qing Dynasty agreed to give the right to the peninsula, but Petersburg attracted Berlin and Paris to the joint demand of the concession of Liaodun Russia.

The Russian demarche sounded after hot disputes in the circle of Sanovniki Nikolai II, caused primarily by Eastern Siberia to the theater of the military-Japanese conflict. The main goal of Romanovs was non-freezing access to the Pacific Ocean. Owning the Pacific port of Vladivostok, surrounded by freezing seas, Russia did not have a convenient, washed with warm waters of the harbor for the end station of the Transsib, which was built then. The prominent Russian fleets believed that the right time had come to capture the port in Korea. This idea with enthusiasm divided Nicholas II. Without the necessary support for the commission of such a step, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Andrei Lobanov-Rostovsky proposed to conclude an agreement with Tokyo about a new port in the region.

But there was another point of view. The most influential supporter was Minister of Finance Sergey Witte, who considered good relations with China substantial to the development of the Russian Far East. He did not doubt the fact that over time Romanov will dominate China. But the empire should go to this peacefully and economic methods. Russian and Chinese railways, banks, trading houses and not troops should compete among themselves. Among other things, Witte often reminded Nicholas: "... For the general state of affairs within Russia, it is essential to avoid everything that can cause external complications" 4.

As a result, after the Simonoski world, Russia played the role of the defender of Beijing. Finance Minister quickly retracted dividends from the location of the Chinese. He enlisted the consent of Zunli Yamen (the Chinese Office of Foreign Affairs. - approx. Per.) On the gasket of the Trans-Siberian highway through Manchuria, a significantly shrinkable oriental segment of the railway. And on June 3, 1896, two empires concluded a secret agreement on the joint confrontation in the event of possible aggression from Japan 5.

However, after just a year, the emperor Nikolai has dramatically changed the course. Imitating his cousin Wilhelm, who captured Qingdao, he occupied the southern part of the Lyodo Peninsula, which included Port Arthur. Three years later, Cossacks unexpectedly entered the limits of the hereditary provinces of the Qing dynasty in Manchuria. Although Nikolai's diplomats officially promised to withdraw them, the military did not move from the place and even plucked the campaign to neighboring Korea.

Such impermanence reflected deep disagreements in the Far Eastern Policy of St. Petersburg. Sergey Witte, who was supported by Count Vladimir Lamsdorf, who was supported by the Count Vladimir Lamsdorf, was supported by the Foreign Minister from 1900 to 1906 against the coalition of the Hawks, which included Flotovodians at different times, the predecessor of Lamsdorf Graph Mikhail Muravyeva, the Guards Captain in resignation And the dubious entrepreneur Alexander of the Reason and Imperial Governor in the Far East of Russia, Admiral Evgenia Alekseeva. However, disagreements did not interfere with opponents to converge in one: Russia should play an active role in Northeast Asia.

"Korea for Manchuria"

Japanese dignitaries also converged in one: the main goal of the geopolitics of their country was Korea, the state-hermit, a long time was the Danitor of the Qing Dynasty. However, by the end of the XIX century, China's progressive tolerance led to the weakening of his dominion on the peninsula and made it possible to act here more strong powers. The latter included Japan, which during the restoration of Maidzi committed to medieval insulation and turned into a modern state with the Europeanized army and its own colonial aspirations.

Simple geography logic pointed to Korea as one of the main goals of Ganro, a group of nine statesmen who determined the policy of the Empire. In the narrowest place, Japan from Korea was separated only 60 kilometers.

Already in 1875, the Japanese troops faced Koreans on the island of Kolasado, and 20 years later, the empire began a war with China, weakening his influence on a hermit country. Since the Western powers divided China on the spheres of influence, Gano decided that they could embody their colonial ambitions, providing Russia to the dominant role in Manchuria in exchange for their control over Korea. The next eight years is the slogan "Man-Kan Kokan" ("Korea for Manchuria") became one of the leading imperatives of the Japanese foreign policy 6.

On April 13, 1898, Baron Rosen, Russian Messenger, and Japan Foreign Minister Tokuziro Nii signed a joint protocol in Tokyo, who recognized the economic dominance of the Japanese in Korea. But at the same time, both sides have pledged to protect the country's political sovereignty. Rosen himself called the contract "incomplete and meaningless", the Japanese were also not a better opinion about it 7.

The next four years, when Russia was more and more removed from the Korean affairs, Japan made repeated attempts to achieve the official recognition of his championship on the peninsula. However, Russian diplomats failed to obtain permission from the government to such a turn of policies. As Alexander Exolvesky explained, then the Messenger in Tokyo, and the king, and his admirals "were too interested in Korea" 8. At the same time, Lamsdorf was afraid of Japanese hostility, warning in letters to Witte, General Kuropatkin and the Sea Minister Tyrtov: If Russia cannot smoke a new serious rival, then the "explicit danger of armed clashes with Japan" 9.

When the Government of Japan headed Marquis with Herobumi, the cold heads prevailed in Tokyo. Since the Simonoski world of 1895, Marquis led to a cautious policy towards Russia. One of the most outstanding states of the Maidzi era, ITO had a great authority both among the dignitaries and the emperor. But despite this, in May 1901, his office lost the trust of the parliament, the position of Prime Minister Prince Taro Katsura joined the position. Young members of his office were much more aggressive towards Russia 10.

True, Marquis Ito, who turned out to be out of government, did not give up. During a private visit to St. Petersburg in November 1901, he was looking for ways to conduct reconciliation policy. An experienced dustier received a warm welcome in St. Petersburg and was awarded Nikolai II Order of St. Alexander Nevsky, and at meetings with Witte and Lamsdorf defended the Korean-Manchurian project. But if the Minister of Finance simpatized this idea, the Minister of Foreign Affairs was still against 11.

The main thing, at the time when ITO led negotiations with the king and his officials, the Japanese ambassador to London Count Tadas Hayashi secretly concluded a defensive union with the UK 12. Russian diplomats, this news found surprise. Two main opponents in the Far East united their strength, after changing the political landscape in the Pacific region.

Petersburg confusion continues

Nicholas II ministers have hurriedly assured the world that Russian troops will leave Manchuria in the near future. However, here opinions in St. Petersburg were sharply divided. Count Lamsdorf and Witte believed that Manchuria should be returned as soon as possible. They predicted that the unwillingness to calm the atmosphere in the region will cause new unrest 13. This point of view was supported by many Russians - from simple considerations that there are no less than 14 problems. In addition, "Kingdom Witte" - the construction of the Sino-Eastern Railway (CER) - flourished, and Military presence in Manchuria represented a serious threat to the plans of the Minister of Finance.

However, the idea of \u200b\u200bpreserving Manchuria for Russia had no less influential defenders. The military believed that Manchuria would enjoy the Russian Empire like Khiva, Kokand and Bukhara, attached in the second half of the XIX century 15. The most prominent "hawk" was Admiral Evgeny Alekseev, who was in Port Arthur. This fleet had an authority not only in the Pacific fleet, but among the garrison of the Liaodong Peninsula. Its irrepressible temperament and ambitions along with rumors that Alekseev was an illegitimate son of Alexander II, provided him with hostility of many contemporaries. And above all, Sergey Witte, who saw in him a dangerous opponent in the Russian Far East.

Pathologically indecisive Nicholas II hesitated. The confused and unstable policy of the empire has sharply raised the hostility of other powers. Nevertheless, after a year of complex negotiations with China on April 8, 1902, Russia signed an agreement in Beijing, according to which the conclusion of troops from Manchuria should take place in three stages within 18 months 16. On October 8, 1902, the first phase of the evacuation of troops in the southern part of Fantian Province, including in the ancient capital of the Qing Dynasty Mukden (modern Shenyang). But the second stage scheduled for April 1903 did not take place, Russian dignitaries could not agree among themselves. Petersburg did not restrain the word.

"Vain negotiations"

In the summer of 1903, Russia and Japan again entered into debates, wanting to solve their disagreements in East Asia. And the initiative was shown a non-promotable Japanese prime minister Taro Katsura. By this time, the Russian line also tightened significantly, since the influence of Witte, the principled defender of the world in East Asia, sharply fell at the court. The king called the rigid line, adopted in the spring of 1903, "New Course" 17. Its purpose was "to prevent the penetration of foreign influence in the manchuria in any form" 18. Russia will emphasize his determination, he wrote to Alekseyev, starting to the military and economic presence in East Asia 19.

The charter of endless stocking among ministers, Nikolay took two important decisions in summer. On August 12, he appointed Admiral Alekseev by the governor in the Far East, which actually made him a personal representative of the king in the Pacific region with all the full power here 20. And two weeks later, Nikolai displaced the main opponent Alekseeva Sergey Witte from the post of Minister of Finance 21.

The elevation of Alekseeva caused a sharp reaction to Tokyo. Baron Roman Rosen, Russian Messenger, reported that in Japan, the appearance of the governor of the Far East was perceived as an act of aggression 22. Especially insulted the Japanese that the appointment happened two weeks after their government proposed to start a new round of negotiations 23.

Throughout 1903, European foreign ministers were confused, alarmed and often annoyed by the constant steep turns of the royal policies who have expressed Russia more and more international isolation. But the compromise was still possible even at such a late stage. However, the king and his governor still did not perceive Japan seriously.

Nikolai, of course, did not consider the endless negotiations a worthy reason to interrupt their long-standing trips abroad or hunting. And he believed that "wars would not be, because I don't want it" 24. As a result of unsuccessful, until the winter, the negotiations, the Japanese Cabinet finally came to the conclusion that the peaceful resolution of the conflict is impossible. On February 6, 1904, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Koura called Baron Rosen to declare that the government had lost patience in all these "vain negotiations." Therefore, it decided to finish them and break the diplomatic relations with Russia 25.

Upon returning to his residence, the Russian messenger learned from the maritime attache, which was previously the same day, at 6 am local time, two Japanese squadrons were outstanding from anchor for unknown reasons. Soon after midnight, on February 8, 1904, Torpeda of the Japanese destroyers struck three Russian vessels, who were standing on Port Arthur raid. Two empires entered the war ...

Conclusion

The Russian-Japanese war is often regarded as a classic imperialist conflict. It is true only in part. Although expansionist goals led St. Petersburg and Tokyo to disagreements on the issue of Northeast Asia, such a rivalry cannot be called a unique in the age of aggressive colonial wars. For decades that have passed since the 1880s. And before the beginning of the First World War, repeated clashes between the great states of Europe occurred in Asia and Africa. However, none of them turned into an open war. Disagreements were invariably solved by the "diplomacy of imperialism" 27, a tool for the exit of colonial disputes that shared at the end of the XIX century.

Unwritten code determined the relationship between the great powers of Europe. Although strictly recorded rules did not exist here, they were quite clear. Based on the hard calculation and feeling of an honest game, the diplomacy of imperialism was effective. The decisive for her success was an understanding of the great powers that they all have legitimate interests outside Europe. And this line successfully saved the country from the open struggle on other continents.

But the diplomacy of imperialism itself was not without flaws. The main one was the inability of states to recognize new developing non-European countries. As in the old-fashioned Gentleman club, membership here received only European governments. So, the tiny Belgian monarchy was considered a colonial power, while the Ambitions of the United States or Japan were questioned. It is such an inability of a member of this club - Russia - to perceive seriously the colonial aspirations of Outsider - Japan - led on February 8, 1904 to the emergence of the war in East Asia.

Tokyo saw Petersburg trap his honor. And public men who do not respect the interests of other countries due to their own serious risk. And after a hundred years of age, this conflict did not lose relevance in international relations.

Translation Evgenia Galimianova

Notes
1. This article is based on the chapter of Russia S Relass with Japan Before and After the War: An Episode in the Diplomacy of Imperialism from the book: The Treaty of Portsmouth and Its Legacies. Steven Ericson and Alan Hockley, EDS. Hanover, NH, 2008. R. 11-23, as well as on my monograph: Schimmelpenninck Van Der Oye D. Toward The Rising Sun: Russian Ideologies of Empire and The Path to War With Japan. Dekalb, 2001.
2. Honor Among Nations: Intangible Interests and Foreign Policy. Elliot Abrams, ED. Washington, DC, 1998; Tsygankov a.p. Russia And The West From Alexander to Putin: Honour in International Relations. Cambridge, 2012. P. 13-27.
3. Wohlforth W. Honor AS Interest in Russian Decisions for War 1600-1995 // Honor Among Nations ...
4. Witte Nicholas II, Memorandum, August 11, 1900 // RGIA. F. 560. OP. 28. D. 218. L. 71.
5. Collection of Russia's treaties with other states 1856-1917. M., 1952. P. 292-294.
6. Nish I. The Origins of the Russo-Japanese War. London, 1985. P. 45.
7. Rosen R.R. FORTY YEARS OF DIPLOMACY. Vol. 1. London, 1922. P. 159.
8. A.P. Eskimsky L.P. Urusov. Letter of March 9, 1901 // Bakhmetiev archive. Box 1.
9.N. Lamsdorf S.Yu. Witte, A.N. Kuropatkin and p.p. Tyratov. Letter of May 22, 1901 // Garf. F. 568. OP. 1. D. 175. L. 2-3.
10. Okamoto S. The Japanese Oligarchy and The Russo-Japanese War. N.Y., 1970. P. 24-31.
11.N. Lamsdorf, reporting 20.11.1901 // Garf. F. 568. OP. 1. D. 62. L. 43-45; V.N. Lamsdorf Nicholas II, Memorandum, 11/22/1901 // Red Archive (M.-L.). 1934. T. 63. P. 44-45; V.N. Lamsdorf A.P. Eskimo, telegram, 11/22/1901 // ibid. P. 47-48.
12. Nish I. The Anglo-Japanese Alliance: The Diplomacy of Two Island Empires 1894-1907. L., 1966. P. 143-228.
13.N. Lamsdorf A.N. Kuropatkin. Letter of March 31, 1900 // RGVIA. F. 165. OP. 1. D. 759. L. 1-2. See also: A.N. Kuropatkin V.V. Sakharov. Letter of July 1, 1901 // Ibid. D. 702. L. 2.
14. Suvorin A. Little letters. New time. 1903. February 22. P. 3; Chinese Railway // New Time. 1902. May 3. Pp. 2; Kravchenko N. from the Far East. // New Time. 1902. October 22. P. 2.
15. A good example of such opinions, see: I.P. Balashev Nikolai II, Memorandum, March 25, 1902 // Garf. F. 543. OP. 1. D. 180. L. 1-26.
16. Glinsky B.B. Prologist of the Russian-Japanese War: materials from the archive of Count S.Yu. Witte. GH., 1916. P. 180-183.
17. Although Nicholas came up with this term, B.A. Romanov popularized it among historians to describe the growing influence of the repeat.
18. Romanov V.A. Russia in Manchuria. Ann Arbor, 1952. R. 284.
19. Ibidem.
20. Nicholas II E.I. Alekseev, Telegram, September 10, 1903 // RGAVMF. F. 417. OP. 1. D. 2865. L. 31.
21. Nicholas II S.Yu. Witte, letter, August 16, 1903 // RGVIA. F. 1622. OP. 1. D. 34. L. 1.
22. Rosen R.R. Op. CIT. Vol. 1. R. 219.
23. Gurko V.I. Facts and Features of the Past. Stanford, 1939. P. 281.
24. Mackenzie D. Imperial Dreams / Harsh Realities: TSARIST RUSSIAN Foreign Policy, 1815-1917. Fort Worth, 1994. P. 145.
25. Nish I. The Origins ... P. 213.
26. Rosen R.R. Op. CIT. Vol. 1. R. 231.
27. The phrase is taken from the name of the classical labor of William Langer about European diplomacy of the 20th century: Langer W.L. The Diplomacy of Imperialism. N.Y., 1956.

* Mikado - the oldest title of the Supreme Supreme Lord of Japan.

The article briefly talks about the Russian-Japanese war of 1904-1905. This war has become one of the most shameful in Russian history. Waiting for a "little victorious war" turned into a catastrophe.

1. Introduction
2. Russian-Japanese war
3. Results of the Russian-Japanese War

Causes of the Russian-Japanese War 1904-1905

• The main prerequisite for the beginning of the war was the increase in imperialist contradictions at the turn of the centuries. European powers sought to section of China. Russia, who did not have colonies in other parts of the world, was interested in the maximum penetration of its capital in China and Korea. This desire was contrary to Japan's plans. A rapidly developing Japanese industry also demanded the seizure of new territories for the placement 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 revolutionary sentiment in the country. The Japanese tip relied on the chauvinistic moods in society. It was planned to create great Japan at the expense of territorial seizures.

Russian-Japanese war

• At the end of January 1904, the Japanese without an ad was attacked by Russian ships, based in Port Arthur. And in June, the successful actions of the Japanese led to the complete defeat of the Russian Pacific squadron. Posted to help the Baltic fleet (2rd escords) after the semi-annual transition was headlong by Japan in the Tsushimsky battle (May 1905). Sending the 3rd squadron was becoming meaningless. Russia lost the main trump card in his strategic plans. The defeat was due to the underestimation of the Japanese Fleet, which consisted of the latest warships. The reasons were in insufficient training of Russian sailors, outdated at that time Russian warships, defective ammunition.
• In hostilities on land, there was also a significant lag of Russia in many respects. The General Staff did not take into account the experience of the last wars. Military science adhered to obsolete concepts and principles of the era of the Napoleonic Wars. The accumulation of the main forces with the subsequent massive blow was assumed. The Japanese strategy under the guidance of foreign advisers relied on the development of maneuverable operations.
• The Russian command under the leadership of General Kurophatkina acted passively and indecisively. The first defeat of the Russian army suffered under Liaoyan. By June 1904, Port Arthur was surrounded. The defense lasted six months, which can be regarded as the only success of Russians in the whole war. In December, the port was commissioned by the Japanese. The so-called "Mukden meat grinder" became the decisive battle on land (February 1905), as a result of which the Russian army was almost surrounded, but the price of large losses managed to retreat. Russian losses amounted to about 120 thousand people. This failure in conjunction with the Tsushim tragedy showed all the futility of further hostilities. The situation was complicated by the fact that the "victorious war" caused a revolution in Russia itself.
• It was the beginning of the revolution and the unpopularity of war in society forced Russia to go to peace negotiations. The Japanese economy was significantly undermined as a result of war. Japan was inferior to Russia in both the number of armed forces and material possibilities. Even the successful continuation of the war would lead Japan to the 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 Russian-Japanese War

• In August 1905, the Portsmouth world was concluded, containing the conditions humiliating for Russia. Japan entered South Sakhalin, Korea, Port Arthur. The Japanese received control over Manchuria. Russia's authority on the world stage was very undermined. Japan has demonstrated that its army is combined and armed with the latest technology.
• In general, Russia was forced to abandon active actions in the Far East.

Abstract of Russia's history

Character of war: imperialist, unfair on both sides. Forces of the parties: Russia - 1 million.135 thousand people (total), really 100 thousand people, Japan - 143 thousand people + sea fleet + reserve (about 200 thousand). Quantitative and high-quality superiority of Japan at sea (80:63).

Plans by Party:
Japan - Offensive strategy, the purpose of which is dominance of the sea, the seizure of Korea, the ownership of Port Artur, the defeat of the Russian grouping.
Russia - There was no general plan of war that ensures the interaction of the army and the fleet. Defensive strategy.

Dates. Events. Notes

January 27, 1904 - a sudden attack by the Japanese squadron of Russian ships from Port Arthur. Heroic battle of Varyag and Korean. Attack is repulsed. Russian losses: Varyag flooded. Korean blown. Japan provided superiority to the sea.
January 28 - re-bombardment of the city and Port Arthur. Attack is repulsed.
February 24 - Arrival in Port Arthur commander of the Pacific Vice-Admiral S.O. Makarova. Active actions of Makarov in preparation for the general battle with Japan on the sea (offensive tactics).
March 31 - Makarov's death. Inaction of the fleet, rejection of offensive tactics.
April 1904 - landing of Japanese armies in Korea, forcing r. Yala and joining Manchuria. The initiative in actions on land belongs to the Japanese.
May 1904 - the Japanese started the siege of Port Arthur. Port Arthur turned out to be cut off from the Russian army. An attempt to discharge him in June 1904 was unsuccessful.
August 13-21 - Battle under Liaoyan. Forces are approximately equal (160 thousand). Attacks of Japanese troops were repulsed. The indecisiveness of Kuropatkina prevented to develop success. On August 24, the Russian troops moved to R. Shahe.
October 5 - the battle on the Shahe River began. The fog and mountainous terrain, as well as the notion of Kuropatkina (acted only part of his strength he had).
December 2 - the death of General Kondratenko. R.I. Kondratenko led the defense fortress.
July 28 - December 20, 1904 - the besieged Port Arthur Heroic defended. December 20, Stoxil gives an order about the surrender of the fortress. Defenders withstood 6 storms of the fortress. The fall of Port Arthur was a turning point during the Russian-Japanese war.
February 1905 - Mukden Battle. 550 thousand people participated on both sides. Passivity of Kuropatkina. Losses: Russian -90 thousand, the Japanese - 70 thousand. The battle was played by the Russians.
May 14-15, 1905 - the marine battle of about. Tsushima in the Japanese Sea.
Tactical mistakes of the Admiral Christmas. Our losses - 19 ships survived, 5 thousand killed, 5 thousand. PRESENTED. Defeat of the Russian Fleet
August 5, 1905 - Portsmouth World
By the summer of 1905 - Japan began to clearly feel the lack of material and human resources and turned to the USA, Germany, France. The United States advocates peace. The world was signed in Portsmouth, our delegation was headed by S.Yu.Vitte.

Conditions of the world: Korea - the sphere of interests of Japan, both sides bring their troops from Manchuria, Russia is inferior to Japan Lyodong and Port Arthur, half of Sakhalin and railways. This contract lost its strength after the surrender of Japan in 1914.

Causes of defeat: The feasibility and military superiority of Japan, the military-political and diplomatic isolation of Russia, the operational-tactical and strategic unpreparedness of the Russian army to conduct hostilities in difficult conditions, the prisstation and betrayal of the royal generals, the unpopularity of the war in all segments of the population.