New History Textbook (Chapter 4 & 5) 2005 version - Bakumatsu Films

58 The Russo-Japanese War
Why did Japan decide to start the Russo-Japanese War?
The Anglo-Japanese Alliance
The experience of the Tripartite Intervention made it clear that Japan would have to enter into an
alliance with either Russia or England. Within the Japanese government, opinions were divided as
to which nation to choose. At the heart of the debate were perceptions about Russia. When the
Boxer Rebellion broke out in China in 1900, the Russians used it an excuse to send 20,000
soldiers to northeastern China; they remained there even after the rebellion had been crushed. The
major question debated was whether Japan could convince Russia not to move its troops from
Manchuria into the Korean Peninsula.
The debate was settled by a written opinion prepared by Komura Jutaro, minister of foreign affairs.
His opinion weighed the merits of an alliance with Russia or Great Britain, and concluded with the
recommendation that Japan opt for an Anglo-Japanese alliance. Komura’s written opinion was
adopted as government policy and used as the basis for negotiations. In 1902, the Anglo-Japanese
alliance was concluded. During the 20 years it remained in force, it contributed significantly to
Japan’s security and prosperity.
The Outbreak and Course of the Russo-Japanese War
Boasting a national budget and military strength 10 times as large as Japan’s, Russia had
reinforced its troops in Manchuria, and begun construction on a military base in North Korea. It
was clear that if Japan stood by idly, the Russian military presence in the Far East would grow so
powerful that Russia would have a clear competitive edge over Japan. The Japanese government
decided to initiate hostilities with Russia before it was too late.
The Russo-Japanese War began in February 1904, when Japan launched an attack on a Russian
military vessel. Its battles were fought on Korean and Manchurian soil. In 1905, Japan’s armed
forces succeeded in occupying Liaodong after a tremendous struggle, and went on to win another
victory at Mukden.
In an attempt to turn the tables on its superior opponent, Russia dispatched its Baltic fleet from the
Baltic Sea. Thirty-eight of the fleet’s ships rounded the southern tip of Africa and crossed the
Indian Ocean. After a seven-month voyage, the Baltic fleet arrived at the Japan Sea. Awaiting the
Russians was Japan’s Combined Fleet under the command of Admiral Togo Heihachiro. With
their superior morale and technical skills, Togo’s men annihilated the Baltic fleet, scoring a
miraculous victory that has left its mark in the annals of history (Battle of Tsushima).
A Japanese Victory that Changed the World
By the time Japan emerged victorious from the Battle of Tsushima, military expenses (for which
27