What was the Russo-Japanese War?
The Russo-Japanese War (1904–05) was fought by Russia and Japan over their interests in China (particularly Manchuria) and Korea. Each country saw strategic value in China and Korea. Before fighting started, Japan introduced a possible settlement, but Russian czar (emperor) Nicholas II (1868–1918) rejected the plan. On February 6, 1904, Japan severed all ties with Russia. Two days later the Japanese launched a surprise attack on Russian ships at Lushun (Port Arthur), Manchuria. On February 10, Japan officially declared war on Russia. Battles on land and at sea went badly for the Russians, who could not be adequately reinforced or supplied to match the powerful and disciplined Japanese. Early in 1905 the war was already unpopular and revolution broke out in Russia, further weakening the country’s ability to defeat Japan. After an eight-month siege at Lushun, Russia could no longer…
