In Our Time The Russo-Japanese War
Apr 1, 2021
Simon Dixon, an expert in Russian history, Naoko Shimazu, a specialist in Japanese society, and Oleg Benesch, a reader in modern history, delve into the tumultuous Russo-Japanese War. They discuss Japan's audacious attack on Port Arthur, igniting global tensions, and how rapid modernization transformed its military and society. The conversation highlights Russia's naval mishaps, the clash of honor and duty among Japanese soldiers, and the war's lasting impact on national identity and anti-colonial sentiment in Japan.
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Perry's Impact on Japan
- Commodore Perry's arrival in Japan with American warships in 1853 prompted significant changes.
- These changes included the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate and the start of the Meiji period in 1868, marked by rapid modernization and westernization.
Rapid Modernization
- The modernization of Japan was remarkable for its speed, achieving in 40 years what took Europe 400.
- This rapid transformation was driven by leaders primarily from Western Japan, historically opposed to the Tokugawa shogunate.
Russia's Eastern Ambitions
- Russia's interest in East Asia stemmed from a desire to project itself as a Eurasian empire after its humiliation in the Crimean War.
- This ambition led to territorial expansion in Central Asia and eventually to the occupation of Manchuria and the building of Port Arthur.