Russo-Japanese War

The Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905) was an extremely bloody conflict that grew out of the rival imperialist ambitions of Russia and Japan in Manchuria and Korea. The war was fought principally over possession of the town of Port Arthur (aka Lushun and Ryojun) and the Liaodong Peninsula, plus the railway from the port to Harbin.

Origins of the war

In the late 19th century and early 20th century, various Western countries were competing for influence, trade, and territory in East Asia as Japan strived to be a modern great power. Japan's location encouraged it to focus on Joseon Dynasty Korea and Qing Dynasty northern China, putting it in competition with its neighbour, Russia. The Japanese effort to occupy Korea led to the Sino-Japanese War. Japan's subsequent defeat of China led to the Treaty of Shimonoseki (April 17, 1895) by which China abandoned its own claims to Korea, as well as ceding Taiwan and Lüshunkou (often called Port Arthur). However, three Western powers (Russia, the German Empire and the French Third Republic) by the Triple Intervention of April 23, 1895 applied pressure on Japan to give up Port Arthur, and the Russians later (in 1898) negotiated a 25-year lease of the naval base with China. Meanwhile, Russian soldiers occupied much of Manchuria, and Russia competed with Japan for influence in Korea.

Related Topics:
19th century - 20th century - Western countries - East Asia - Joseon Dynasty - Korea - China - Sino-Japanese War - Treaty of Shimonoseki - April 17 - 1895 - Taiwan - Lüshunkou - German Empire - French Third Republic - Triple Intervention - April 23

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Japan, after failing to negotiate a favorable agreement with Russia, sent an ultimatum on December 31st, 1903, broke off diplomatic relations on February 6, and began attacking two days later. Both sides issued a declaration of war on February 10. Under international law, Japan's attack was not considered a sneak attack, because of the ultimatum. However, it was commonly mentioned as an example of Japan's preference for surprise attack, after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Related Topics:
Ultimatum - December 31 - 1903 - February 6 - Declaration of war - February 10 - International law - Attack on Pearl Harbor

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