Delving into the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, the podcast explores Japan's surprise attack on the Russian fleet, rapid military modernization, and Samurai traditions. It also discusses Russia's territorial ambitions in the Far East, the impacts of the war on identity and nationalism, and the legacy of the conflict including the Treaty of Portsmouth and post-war commemoration.
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Quick takeaways
The Russo-Japanese War accelerated Japan's modernization from feudal samurai society to a powerful Western-influenced nation.
Russia's expansionist aims in Eastern territories triggered conflicts with Japan, culminating in the Russo-Japanese War and subsequent internal turmoil.
Deep dives
Japan's Modernization in Response to Western Threats
Japan's transformation from a feudal society ruled by samurai to a modern nation occurred during the Meiji period starting in 1868. This change was accelerated by foreign influences and the realization of external threats. Japan adopted Western practices, sending scholars abroad, modernizing military, and shifting from samurai warriors to a conscript army.
Japanese Military Modernization and Inspirations
The Imperial Japanese Army focused on westernizing, incorporating modern technology and strategies. Initially influenced by French advisors, they later turned to German expertise. The Russo-Japanese War highlighted Japan's successful modernization relative to China, paving the way for drawing on martial traditions to further enhance their military strength.
Russian Expansion and Imperialist Ambitions in East Asia
Russia's interest in Eastern territories aimed to expand its reach beyond Europe, establishing a presence in regions like Manchuria and Korea. This imperialist push led to conflicts with Japan, resulting in the Russo-Japanese War. Russian ambitions in Manchuria and Korea exacerbated tensions and ultimately sparked the war.
Impact of Russo-Japanese War on Russian Revolution and Political Responses
The Russo-Japanese War contributed to internal turmoil in Russia, fueling revolution and political unrest. The defeat in the war exposed weaknesses in the Russian government, leading to demonstrations and calls for political reform. The war's setbacks prompted a reevaluation of Russia's autocratic rule and set the stage for significant political changes.
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the conflict between Russia and Japan from February 1904 to September 1905, which gripped the world and had a profound impact on both countries. Wary of Russian domination of Korea, Japan attacked the Russian Fleet at Port Arthur and the ensuing war gave Russia a series of shocks, including the loss of their Baltic Fleet after a seven month voyage, which reverberated in the 1905 Revolution. Meanwhile Japan, victorious, advanced its goal of making Europe and America more wary in East Asia, combining rapid military modernisation and Samurai traditions when training its new peasant conscripts. The US-brokered peace failed to require Russia to make reparations, which became a cause of Japanese resentment towards the US.
With
Simon Dixon
The Sir Bernard Pares Professor of Russian History at University College London
Naoko Shimazu
Professor of Humanities at Yale NUS College, Singapore
And
Oleg Benesch
Reader in Modern History at the University of York
Producer: Simon Tillotson
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