In 1904, the world was shocked when Japan warred against Russia, and won.
How? Well… it’s complicated.
_______
Korea and Manchuria were at the centre of this pre-war tension, like pieces on a chessboard between Russia and Japan.
Russia, with its imperial eyes set on these regions, was more focused on expanding its reach in East Asia than considering the full implications.
They saw Manchuria as a resource-rich land ripe for the taking and Korea as a strategic gem.
On the other side, Japan, having emerged from its self-imposed isolation, was rapidly modernizing and looking to assert its own influence in East Asia.
This it was about status and power as well as land.
Japan’s military, though smaller, was far more efficiently run, technologically advanced, and well-trained, thanks to recent modernization efforts.
The breakdown in diplomatic negotiations resulted in brinkmanship veering ever-closer to disaster… and eventually it did.
In 1904, the world was shocked when Japan warred against Russia, and won.
How? Well… it’s complicated.
_______
Korea and Manchuria were at the centre of this pre-war tension, like pieces on a chessboard between Russia and Japan.
Russia, with its imperial eyes set on these regions, was more focused on expanding its reach in East Asia than considering the full implications.
They saw Manchuria as a resource-rich land ripe for the taking and Korea as a strategic gem.
On the other side, Japan, having emerged from its self-imposed isolation, was rapidly modernizing and looking to assert its own influence in East Asia.
This it was about status and power as well as land.
Japan’s military, though smaller, was far more efficiently run, technologically advanced, and well-trained, thanks to recent modernization efforts.
The breakdown in diplomatic negotiations resulted in brinkmanship veering ever-closer to disaster… and eventually it did.
In 1904, the world was shocked when Japan warred against Russia, and won.
How? Well… it’s complicated.
_______
Korea and Manchuria were at the centre of this pre-war tension, like pieces on a chessboard between Russia and Japan.
Russia, with its imperial eyes set on these regions, was more focused on expanding its reach in East Asia than considering the full implications.
They saw Manchuria as a resource-rich land ripe for the taking and Korea as a strategic gem.
On the other side, Japan, having emerged from its self-imposed isolation, was rapidly modernizing and looking to assert its own influence in East Asia.
This it was about status and power as well as land.
Japan’s military, though smaller, was far more efficiently run, technologically advanced, and well-trained, thanks to recent modernization efforts.
The breakdown in diplomatic negotiations resulted in brinkmanship veering ever-closer to disaster… and eventually it did.
source
Why does Russia tend to either dominate or get utterly annihilated at war? What do you believe the secret is? Let us know below and check out part 1 if you haven't already!
Link: https://youtu.be/NvMErIyT3UI
(Also we are aware that a lot of footage from later periods such as WW2 and WW1 has been used – this is to demonstrate mentioned points and give viewers something to look at, as 1904 lacked extensive video documentation)