Russian War Research Paper

However, the most likely reason for his sudden desire for peace was one of one of simple economics. All of the years of war, and a lack of economic support from the western traders caused and economic crisis in Russia, simply put, the tsar did not have the economic means to continue to modernize his war machine. In addition, a major theme of his proposed peace conference was the economic crisis that Russia was enduring was also prevalent in France, Germany, Spain, Austria, and England as they were investing, “hundreds of millions…acquiring terrible engines of destruction.”

The 1898 peace conference accomplished little politically and therefore no economic relief was provided to Russia. Regrettably, the tsar lost the support of the millions

The warm-water port was used as a hub for their Trans-Asiatic Railway. In addition the port harbored their military manpower and machinery however; it did not harbor their naval fleet. The fleet was stationed at a port in the Baltic Sea. Russia also continued to maintain a controlling relationship with Korea and China. Outraged by Russian intervention and embarrassed by their inability to maintain the concessions Japanese military leaders called for armed conflict and began promoting nationalism and a build-up of modern weapons. Japan used the monetary concessions gained from China to purchase new modern machines of war and most importantly naval ships and naval training from

Japanese and Russian diplomats met four times in 1903. Regrettably, they were unable to solve the territorial disputes in Manchuria and Korea. Then unexpectedly Russian leadership broke-off the 1896 agreements they established with Japan. Nicholas may have wanted to establish a peaceful relationship with western industrialized nations, but in the Far East, it appeared Russia and Japan was headed for war. Japan followed suit and cut off diplomatic relations on February 5, 1904. Three days later, Vice Admiral Heihachiro Togo's fleet attacked the Russian base at Port Arthur. Japan formally declared war on Russia on February 10, 1904.

Japan wanted to prove to the world that it was no longer a weak Asian nation. Japan believed that Russia disregarded the signed agreements and in doing so showed them very little respect. By establishing itself as a global power and by defeating Russia with a successful military campaign, Japan would earn the respect of Western European nations and could deal on more even terms with all Western