The Russo- Japanese war shattered the myth of the invincibility of European power. The Russo- Japanese war was fought to expand control over the Chinese province of Manchuria, and parts of the Korean Islands. Both of these territories held rich natural resources and were fertile river valleys. A small nation like Japan, with its limited resources, defeated a vast nation like Russia in battle. This was no ordinary feat. In the era of imperialism, where the European powers emerged as the harbingers of civilization, and had a progressive and invincible outlook, the defeat of a European power shattered the myth of European power, and showed that a small Asian country could defeat a big power like Russia.
Further Explanation-
The outcome of the Russo- Japanese war was important as it altered the understanding of the ‘Orient’ throughout the Western world. The Japanese not only conquered Chinese provinces but also forced Russia to abandon her expansionist policies in the Far East. The understanding in China provisioned for all countries to have access to at least one port in China. Russia wanted the lease of the territories around Manchuria, so that she could complete the Trans- Siberian Railway, connecting Chinese territories with the Russian port of Vladivostok. It denied Japan of expanding its territorial influence in China, despite Japan’s decisive victory in the Sino- Japanese war. The limited Russian forces in Manchuria were scattered, and they were not co-ordinated. Japan on the other hand, steadily expanded her armies and mobilized her troops. She attacked the weakened Russian troops stationed in Manchuria and began a siege of Port Arthur, which continued for a year until the Russian commander surrendered it to the Japanese. The final onslaught was led in ground battle on the Russian troops. In the mediation of the United States, a truce was signed and agreed upon by both the Japanese and the Russians in the treaty of Portsmouth, giving Japan control over the southern Shakalin Islands, and over Korean territories.
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Answer Details-
Grade- High School
Chapter- The Russo- Japanese War
Subject- History
Keywords-
War, European power, the myth of invincibility, defeat, truce, the capture of Manchuria, Trans-Siberian Railway, Treaty of Portsmouth.
