The Russian Empire in the Early 20th Century

At least 3,000 Jews were killed in pogroms that took place across the Pale of Settlement between 1903 and 1906. Tsar Nicholas believed victory against the quote unquote inferior Japanese would help boost the morale of his people. The subsequent defeat of the Russian Empire at Port Arthur and Mukden was heavy blows for an over-confident people. Although Nicholas wanted to continue the war he was convinced by his advisors and ministers to sue for peace amid rising political tensions caused by those defeats.