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.
The Russo-Japanese War transformed national identity and social dynamics in Japan, intensifying feelings of filial piety and perpetuating the idealization of samurai heritage.
The war reshaped the balance of power in Europe and sparked geopolitical tensions between the United States and Japan in the Pacific, while also fueling discussions about Japan as a threat and inspiration for anti-colonial movements.
Deep dives
The Russo-Japanese War and Its Impact: Nationalism and Geopolitics
The Russo-Japanese War, which began with a surprise attack by Japanese destroyers on the Russian fleet, had significant implications in terms of national identity and geopolitical dynamics. Japan, having undergone rapid modernization in the Meiji period, sought to keep other powers out of Korea and maintain its own influence in the region. Japanese military drew inspiration from westernization and a new conscript army formed by commoners rather than samurai. The war resulted in a Japanese victory and Russia's defeat. The geopolitical aftermath saw a competition between the United States and Japan in the Pacific, shaping relations for the next 50 years. The war also impacted the Japanese home front, transforming soldiers' sense of national identity and the public's mobilization efforts. The Japanese victory had ramifications for the colonized world, where it served as a source of inspiration for anti-colonial movements. The war became a subject of cultural expression, influencing opera and the commemoration of war in Japan and Russia. It also contributed to the emergence of an idealized samurai heritage and the memorialization of war dead, both of which had lasting effects on Japan's militaristic mindset.
Russian Ambitions and the Treaty of Portsmouth
Russia's interest in East Asia stemmed from its desire to project itself as a Eurasian empire and expand its territory. After reaching the Far East with the establishment of Port Arthur, tensions arose between Russia and Japan, particularly regarding Korea. The Russian defeat at Port Arthur and the subsequent naval Battle of Tsushima led to the signing of the Treaty of Portsmouth, mediated by President Theodore Roosevelt. The treaty determined that Russia would give up its interests in Korea and most of its leases in southern Manchuria. However, the exclusion of reparations and significant territorial sacrifices from the treaty disappointed the Japanese public, who desired more symbolic victory. The treaty's aftermath led to intensified geopolitical competition between the United States and Japan in the Pacific.
Nationalism and Changing Social Dynamics in Japan
The Russo-Japanese War had a transformative impact on national identity and social dynamics in Japan. While there was a sense of a monolithic patriotic nation state during the war, beneath the surface, contradictions and localized identities persisted. Efforts to mobilize the home front by orchestrating impressive send-offs for soldiers and the nationalization of rail networks brought about a sense of national self among soldiers and the populace. This evolving national self became a source of transformative experience and intensified feelings of filial piety among soldiers, who expressed concern for their families left behind. The war also influenced the commemoration of war dead and the perpetuation of cultural narratives, particularly the idealization of samurai heritage and the concept of bushido.
Geopolitical Implications and Legacy of the Russo-Japanese War
The Russo-Japanese War not only reshaped the balance of power in Europe but also had broader geopolitical impacts. It created tensions between the United States and Japan in the Pacific, setting the stage for future competition. The war's outcome prompted Japan to be seen as a role model in the colonized world, while also presenting a threat to Western powers. It played a role in the emergence of the yellow peril discourse and fueled discussions about Japan as a potential threat and inspiration for anti-colonial movements. Additionally, the war influenced Western perceptions of Japan, manifesting in opera and cultural stereotypes. The commemoration of the war varied over time, with significant attention given in the 1950s and 1960s and a resurgence in commemoration during the centennial. The religious nature of memorializing war dead and the treatment of prisoners of war also emerged from this conflict.
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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