From the middle of the XIX century under the Russian side have discreetly and quietly gaining ground recently completely invisible, detached and devoid of military power, Japan.For more than 50 years, she has managed to achieve significant progress in the development of the industry, has strengthened the army and navy.Many contributed to this decline existed for centuries barrier that prevented to penetrate the closed culture of Japan, European and American scientific and technological advances.
Since as Japan began to increase military capabilities and at the same time began to think about expanding their over scarce areas, an inevitable phenomenon became Russian-Japanese war.Start of conflict that led to it, to denote the period when the interests of the two nations have faced in China.The gradual strengthening of Russia's positions in the Far East, along with Britain and the United States threatened the expansion of markets, have led to the outbreak of hostilities.
Start of the Russian-Japanese war dates from 8-9 February 1905.Late at night, Japanese forces attacked standing on Port Arthur raid Russian squadron.The effect of surprise did not help the Japanese - night battle did not bring the desired results of the Russian army and navy did not suffer significant losses.
addition to sea battle, the plans of the enemy and land battles were.But land landing landing the Japanese fleet needs full control of the Yellow Sea.In the course of its establishment and the death occurred legendary cruiser "Varyag", which became famous through the ages Russian-Japanese war.
Historians agree that the main reason for the defeat of Russia in this confrontation became incompetent commanding officers, the gap in terms of weapons and the lack of clear and explicit plan for military action.But, despite the fact that the Russian army quickly handed over his position in the ranks of soldiers and officers until the signing of the peace agreement, and even after there was confidence that the Russian-Japanese war would have been won if it is to continue.
But continued fighting in the Far East did not allow the authorities to focus on the fight against domestic opponents gaining momentum.That is why, Nicholas II, and decided to sign an absolutely disgraceful Peace of Portsmouth, stirred up a huge number of officers in order that the blood shed by Russian soldiers has been spilled in vain.
Interestingly, the results of the Russian-Japanese War was not satisfied with not only Russia.Japan, a country-winner, also experienced a special satisfaction the outcome of the war.At one period there was even a danger of riots in the country, as participants of the war saw no special advantages that gave them a signed peace.
September 5, 1905 Portsmouth Peace Treaty was signed yet.According to this document the Russian-Japanese war led to the following results:
- Japan gained possession of the southern part of Sakhalin Island;
- Russian troops left the rest of the island;
- Russia pay the maintenance of prisoners of war of the Japanese treasury;
- South branch of the Chinese Eastern Railway and the right to Kvatunsky Peninsula crossed the country-winner.
thus remain unsatisfied claims to the Japanese side as trophies of the remaining Russian vessels - the Russian Tsar refused to extradite them.Nor was paid to the winning party and indemnity initially claimed by the Japanese as a prerequisite to peace.But the main result of this short war was the fall in the eyes of the people and the nobility of the prestige of the Russian army, and the very idea of autocracy.A direct consequence of the defeat in the Russian-Japanese War was the first Russian revolution and the further fall of the ruling regime.
