How did the Russo-Japanese War affect Russia? Explain the state of Russia’s economy and government between 1894-1914. (At least three paragraphs). (9 PTS) In 1904, the Russo-Japanese War occurred due to a conflict over which country would control Korea, Manchuria, and Port Arthur. The conflict began with Russia forming an alliance with China over Japan, thus controlling a part of the Manchurian territory. This territory stretched from the Trans-Siberian Railroad to the Chinese controlled area of Manchuria. Japan attempted to negotiate a plan which would divide Manchuria into spheres of influence, but Russia was unwilling to agree. The primary cause for the refusal was that Russia was blinded by the belief that Japan would be easily defeated,
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For instance, Russia was affected politically due to its tsarist autocratic government. Tsar Nicholas II desired to maintain the current autocratic system, and was the successor of his father Alexander II. However, Tsar’s leadership was dismissive and weak. Russia was prideful and arrogant regarding the Russo-Japanese War, therefore greatly underestimating Japan’s strength. Thus, the overconfidence evident in Russian government led to poor military strategies and leadership. Overall, it was clear that Russia was not prepared for a war. On February 8th, 1904, without a declaration of war, Japan attacked the Russian fleet at the Port Arthur harbor. The Japanese warships bombarded the shore batteries, and began a close blockade of the port (Grolier). On February 10 of 1904, war was formally declared between Russia and Japan. Overall, the war was fought on the outskirts of China and southern Manchuria, which was far from the densely populated areas of Russia (Alpha History). Therefore during the war, Russia was at a disadvantage from the start as time was important, and the Russian military needed more time compared to Japan. Therefore, this ultimately leads to the defeat of Russia against Japan, which humiliates Russia and makes their country seem weak. This humiliation ultimately fuels the fire that causes the Russian Revolution in 1905 (Grolier). The 1905 Revolution was also created due to the absence of a political reform of the current system, as well as poor wages for peasants that had increased taxes imposed on them. On January 22nd, 1905, “Bloody Sunday” was the event that caused Tsar Nicholas II to change his political ideals. During this event, Father Gapon and 150,000 protesters peacefully marched to the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg to inform the tsar of the people’s struggles. However upon arrival, the police guarding the Palace shot 100-200 protesters (Grolier). As a result,
For instance, Russia was affected politically due to its tsarist autocratic government. Tsar Nicholas II desired to maintain the current autocratic system, and was the successor of his father Alexander II. However, Tsar’s leadership was dismissive and weak. Russia was prideful and arrogant regarding the Russo-Japanese War, therefore greatly underestimating Japan’s strength. Thus, the overconfidence evident in Russian government led to poor military strategies and leadership. Overall, it was clear that Russia was not prepared for a war. On February 8th, 1904, without a declaration of war, Japan attacked the Russian fleet at the Port Arthur harbor. The Japanese warships bombarded the shore batteries, and began a close blockade of the port (Grolier). On February 10 of 1904, war was formally declared between Russia and Japan. Overall, the war was fought on the outskirts of China and southern Manchuria, which was far from the densely populated areas of Russia (Alpha History). Therefore during the war, Russia was at a disadvantage from the start as time was important, and the Russian military needed more time compared to Japan. Therefore, this ultimately leads to the defeat of Russia against Japan, which humiliates Russia and makes their country seem weak. This humiliation ultimately fuels the fire that causes the Russian Revolution in 1905 (Grolier). The 1905 Revolution was also created due to the absence of a political reform of the current system, as well as poor wages for peasants that had increased taxes imposed on them. On January 22nd, 1905, “Bloody Sunday” was the event that caused Tsar Nicholas II to change his political ideals. During this event, Father Gapon and 150,000 protesters peacefully marched to the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg to inform the tsar of the people’s struggles. However upon arrival, the police guarding the Palace shot 100-200 protesters (Grolier). As a result,