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Russo-Japanese War and the 1905 Revolution


            The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) was a humiliating defeat in which Russia's position as a powerhouse was jeopardized by the much smaller and second-rate power of Japan. This not only made the Tsar look like a weak and incapable leader, but also affected Russia in all facets of life. However, whether or not it was the main cause of the 1905 revolution is contestable as lots of other factors came into play, such as autocracy, industrialization and bloody Sunday. I am inclined to hypothesize that the cause of the 1905 was not down to one sole cause, but a culmination of factors with the underlying issues in Russia being most prominent- a theory I will hope to test in this essay. .
             Importance of War:.
             It is undeniable that the Russo-Japanese War was hugely significant in Russian history as the defeat in this highlighted the key flaws in Tsar Nicholas II's leadership and invalidated its reputation as a global powerhouse. .
             Reasons for Entering the War .
             It initially entered the War over control of Mancuria and Korea as Russia wanted more power and land expansion. However, it could be argued that the Tsar had an ulterior motive for initiating in the War as he was thought to have harbored resentment against Japan as a result of the Otsu assassination attempt of 1891, in which the young Tsarevich was attacked by a Japanese police escort. These causes weren't sound enough for many Russians, who didn't know why Russia was engaging in an unnecessary War for power when there were so many greater problems at hand. This alone meant that the soldiers sent to Japan were largely conscripts, who were resentful at being forced to fight for a non-worthwhile cause. This also underpinned a lack of patriotism or alacrity in the Russian people.
             The Battle of Tsushima.
             The Battle of Tsushima is a prime example of flaws in the Russian military resulting in annihilation. In May of 1905, a fleet of 35 Russian ships traveled for six months to the isle of Tsushima, only for 25 of them to be destroyed, and the Russian Navy being effectively decimated.


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