Russo-Japanese War (1904-05) - Reasons and Consequences
The Russo-Japanese War was the first major armed conflict of the 20 th Century. It was fought between an emerging Japanese Empire and the Russian Empire. The war continued for one year and seven months and ended with a decisive victory for Japan. It was the first time an Asian power defeated a European power in modern warfare.The conflict altered domestic politics in both countries and made Japan a dominant power in East Asia. Reasons and Background Russian Expansion The Russian Empire started eastward expansion in the 16th Century. It secured Siberia in the 18th Century and then established its influence in Manchuria. In 1900, Russia annexed Manchuria during the Boxer Rebellion in China on the pretext of securing the Chinese Eastern Railway from attacks. Russia had already obtained the strategic warm-water Port Arthur (Lüshun) in 1898, through a forced 25-year lease from China. It assisted the Eurasian empire to increase its maritime trade and naval presence in East Asia. ...