Russo-Japanese War

Definition

The Russo-Japanese War was a conflict fought between the Russian Empire and the Empire of Japan from 1904 to 1905, primarily over territorial disputes in Manchuria and Korea. This war marked the first major military victory of an Asian power over a European nation in modern history, significantly altering perceptions of racial superiority and contributing to rising anti-Japanese sentiment in Western countries, particularly the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The war began with a surprise attack by Japan on the Russian naval base at Port Arthur in February 1904.
2. Japan's victory over Russia shocked the world and was seen as a turning point in global power dynamics, challenging the notion of Western superiority.
3. The conflict resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with Japan emerging victorious and gaining control over Korea and parts of Manchuria.
4. Following the war, anti-Japanese sentiment grew in the United States, particularly among labor groups concerned about Japanese immigration and competition for jobs.
5. The war highlighted Japan's emergence as a major world power and prompted fears in the West regarding Japan's potential imperial ambitions in Asia.

Review Questions

• How did the outcomes of the Russo-Japanese War influence global perceptions of racial superiority at the time?
  • The outcomes of the Russo-Japanese War had a profound impact on global perceptions of racial superiority. Japan's unexpected victory over a major European power challenged existing beliefs that Western nations were inherently superior to non-Western nations. This shift led to increased respect for Japan as an emerging power but also fueled resentment and fear among Western countries, which began to associate Japan with rising nationalism and potential threats to their own imperial interests.
• Discuss how the Treaty of Portsmouth reflected changing attitudes towards Japan after its victory in the Russo-Japanese War.
  • The Treaty of Portsmouth represented a significant shift in international relations following Japan's victory. It marked Japan's emergence as a recognized world power, with Western nations willing to negotiate on equal terms. The treaty granted Japan important territorial concessions, which signified a recognition of its military prowess. However, it also fostered resentment in some circles within the U.S., leading to concerns about Japanese expansionism and resulting in anti-Japanese sentiment within American society.
• Evaluate how the Russo-Japanese War served as a catalyst for anti-Japanese sentiment in America during the early 20th century.
  • The Russo-Japanese War acted as a catalyst for anti-Japanese sentiment in America by highlighting fears about Asian immigration and competition for jobs. Following Japan's victory, many Americans began to associate Japanese immigrants with the aggressive expansionism displayed during the war, leading to a rise in xenophobia. Labor groups and political leaders leveraged these sentiments, advocating for restrictive immigration policies and promoting narratives that painted Japanese immigrants as threats to American workers. This period marked a significant turning point in U.S.-Japan relations and laid the groundwork for future discriminatory policies.

Related terms

Imperialism: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means, which played a significant role in the tensions leading up to the Russo-Japanese War.

Treaty of Portsmouth: The peace treaty that ended the Russo-Japanese War, brokered by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, which granted Japan significant territorial gains and recognition as a world power.

Yellow Peril: A term that originated in the late 19th century that expressed fear and prejudice towards East Asians, which became increasingly prominent after Japan's victory in the Russo-Japanese War.