Primary Causes of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905

7/27/2019 Primary Causes of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905

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GROUP RXSBABCH STUDY

THE PRDURT CAUSES OF THERUSSO-JAPANESE WAR OF 1 9 0 4 - 1 9 0 3 .

Submitted by

The Command and General Staff SchoolFort Leavenworth, Kansas.


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Fort Leavenworth, Kansas,May lf 1933

MEMORANDUM FOR: The Direotor Seoond Year Clase, TheCommand and General Staff School, FortLeavenworth, KansasSUBJECT: The Primary Causes of the Russo-JapaneseWar of 1904-1905.

I. PAPERS ACCOMPANYING:31 A Bibliography for this study,

II THE STUDY PRESENTED.The primary causes of the Russo-Japanese War of

1904-1905III* HISTORICAL FACTS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT*

From the middle of the 17th Century to the middle ofthe 19th Century, Japan maintained a policy of exclusionof foreigners* Through the efforts of Commodore Perry,Japan entered into a commercial treaty with the UnitedStates in 1854* This treaty was shortly followed bysimilar treaties with European nations* (1) Fifteen yearslater the Japanese overthrew feudalism, adopted Europeanmethods of government and commerce* and started organizationof their military forces patterned on the system of theleading military powers* (2)

During this same period, the Russian expansion in Asia,which began in the 17th Century had reached the Pacific*The territory from the Amur River to the Korean frontier wasacquired from China in I860, and the port and naval base ofVladivostok established*(3) In 1891* Russia started con-

Pr* 101; En* Br* 237-8 and 264-5*Pr* 108-110; Bird, 10; En* Br* 212*Ask* 66-67; Brit* 1; Germ* 3*


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struetlon of the Trans-Siberian Railway*(4)Industrial and commercial development in Japan was

rapid, and in a few years commercial fields were neoessaryto Ixer industry* (5)

Korea, being elosest to Japan, was a natural field forcommerce and trade* Korea was at that time under nominalsuzerainty of China, and oonflieting interests of China andJapan in Korea resulted in war, 1694-5, in whioh China wasdeeisirely defeated, and in the treaty of peace eeded toJapan the Liao Tung Peninsular, Pescadores Island, andFormosa, in addition to paying a war indemnity and recognizing the independence of Korea* (6)

Before ratification of the treaty, however, the concerted diplomatic intervention of Russia, France, and Germany, forced Japan to restore the Liao Tung Peninsular toChina, accepting in lieu thereof an additional sum of indemnity* (7)

Japan was humiliated at being forced to give up thatterritory, but was not in position to oppose the threeEuropean powers* It then observed these powers extendtheir influence in China, and soon concluded that in orderto maintain its position as a power in Asia, it must havea military and naval force comparable to those of the leading World Powers* Furthermore, the expansion of Russia inAsia9 if continued, would eventually result in either a waror the loss of the Japanese position as an Oriental Powerand possibly even their independence* Japan then began agreat expansion of her military and naval forces, and increased activity in all other lines of national progress in

Ask* 68; Bird, 11; Brit* 6*Ask* 1-30; En* Br* 201-2*Bird 11; Pr 133-199; Ask* 68-9*7) Pr* 140-142; Ask* 71-77.-2


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preparation for the future conflict. (8)In 1896f Russia obtained from China the right to

build the Trans-Siberian Railway aoross Manchuria toVladivostok* The port of Vladivostok is closed duringthe winter months by ice, (9)

In 18981 Russia leased from China, the southern portionof the Liao Tung Peninsular, containing Port Arthur9 an icefree harbor, and the right to build a branch of the Trans-Siberian Railway fron Harbin to Port Arthur Ttader pretense of protection for the construction of the railway,Russia stationed troops in Manchuria (10)

This acquisition of Port Arthur by Russia, only threeyears after Japan had been forced to restore it to Chinawas felt bitterly by the Japanese* (11)

Korea, lying between Port Arthur and Vladivostok became of importance to Russia, who exerted efforts to extendits control orer that area* During the Boxer disturbancesin China in 1900, Russia moved strong forces into Manchuriaand endeavored to avoid withdrawal, but in response todiplomatic representations, signed a convention with Chinaon April 8, 1902, by which it agreed to evacuate Manchuriabeginning within six months from date of signature and tobe completed twelve months later* (18)

Japan had refrained from interference but continuedits preparation, and in 1902, conoluded a treaty with GreatBritain under which it was agreed that if either nation were8) Germ* 11; Pr 143; Ask* 80*Ask* 88*90; Pr* 142*10 Pr* 145-146; Ask* 120-126.11 Germ* 14; Pr* 154-155,12) Pr* 152; Germ* 15; Ask*145-1469 215-218 and 220-224*


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attacked by two powers the other would come to its aid* (IS)Russia failed to eracuate Manohuria as promised and earlyin 1903 established a Tieeregenoy for the Far East. (14)

Japanese diplomacy then became more determined andin July, 1903, negotiations were started with Russia withthe object of regulating affairs in Manchuria and Korea*Japanese proposals wore:

Recognition of the independence of China and Korea*Recognition of Japanfa preponderating Interests in

Korea and Russia9s interest in ManchuriaIn eas


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It wa apparent that further delay would probably lessenthe superiority in military and naval forces developed byJapan. (17)

On Jen* 13, 1904, Japan presented a proposal similarto its original proposal with the modification that Manohuriashould be outside of Japan1s and Korea outside of Russiansinfluence, and on Jan* 30, demanded of the Russian Foreigniani8tert to know when the Russian reply would be received.Obtaining no satisfactory answer. Japan, on 5th of Feb., recalled her Ambassador from St. Petersburg and diplomaticrelations were severed Feb. 6th* (18)

A naval engagement between Russian and Japanese shipsoccurred at Chemulpo, Feb. 8th, and the Japanese fleetattacked the Russian ships in the harbor of Port Arthur thenight 8-9 Feb. War was formally declared by both powersFeb. 10th. (19)

IT. CONCLUSIONS OF THE AUTHOR.After Japan began its industrial development, commer

cial fields became a necessity. Korea being olosest toJapan and having no manufactures of its own, was naturallythe most desireable field and the war with China in 1894-95was for the purpose of securing to Japan the Korean trade.Furthermore, a dominant position in Manohuria would obtainfor Japan additional trade with China.

Russian diplomacy and expansion in the Far East prevented Japan securing a foothold in Manchuria and alsothreatened the position of Japan in Korea, which had beenwon by the war with China in 1894. If continued, as it

17 Ask. 335-337; Germ. 17-18.18 Fr. 156; Germ. 18; Ask. 337-345.19 Fr. 165; Ask. 345.


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It was apparent that further delay would probably lessenthe superiority In military and naval forces developed byJapan. (17)

On Jan* 13, 1904, Japan presented a proposal similarto its original proposal with the modification that Manchuriashould be outside of Japanfs and Korea outside of Russia?sinfluence, and on Jan. 30, demanded of the Russian ForeignMinister, to know when the Russian reply would be received*Obtaining no satisfactory answer, Japan, on 5th of Feb., recalled her Ambassador from St. Petersburg and diplomaticrelations were severed Feb. 6th. (18)

A naval engagement between Russian and Japanese shipsoccurred at Chemulpo, Feb. 8th, and the Japanese fleetattacked the Russian ships in the harbor of Port Arthur thenight 8*9 Feb. War was formally declared by both powersFeb. lOtlw (19)

17. CONCLUSIONS OF THE AUTHOR.After Japan began its industrial development, commer

cial fields became a necessity* Korea being closest toJapan and having no manufactures of its own, was naturallythe most deslreable field and the war with China in 1894-95was for the purpose of securing to Japan the Korean trade*Furthermore, a dominant position in Manchuria would obtain

tfor Japan additional trade with China.Russian diplomacy and expansion in the Far East pre

vented Japan securing a foothold in Manchuria and alsothreatened the position of Japan in Korea, which had beenwon by the war with China in 1894. If continued, as it

17 Ask. 335-337; Germ. 17-18.18 Pr. 156; Germ. 18; Ask. 337-345.19 Pr. 165; Ask. 345.-5


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appeared the Russians intended, this expansion would eventhreaten the independence of Japan, or at least its positionas a World Power*

Russia desired an ioe free port in the Far East asan outlet for Eastern Siberia* Haying seoured Port Arthurby lease from China, Korea became of Importance through itsgeographical location between Port Arthur and Vladivostok.Russia therefore attempted to extend her influence in Korea*

The cause of the war was this Intense oonfliet ofInterest, both political and commercial, of the two nations,in Korea and Manchuria.

V* RECOMMENDATIONS.- None required*

71* CONCURRENCES.- None required*


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BIBLIOGRAPHY*

! Asakawa: "The Russo-Japanese Conflict"Houghton, Mifflin Co*, Boston, 1904,

S* Porter, Robert P: ttJapan, The Rise of a Modern Power*,Cttford University Press, 1919

3."The Encyclopaedia Britannica, Volume XV", EleventhEdition* University Press, Cambridge, 1911*

4* "The Encyclopedia Americana, Volume 15*"American Corporation, New York, 1929*

5* Historical Section, German General Staff: "The Russo-Japanese War, The Yalu"* Hugh Rees, Ltd*London, 1908*

6* Historical Section, Committee of Imperial Defense*"Official History of the Russo-Japanese War"(British)* Harrison and Sons, St* MartinsLane, London, 1910*

7. Bird, W*D*: "Strategy of the Russo-Japanese War"* HughRees, Ltd*, London, 1909*8* Chasseur: "A Study of the Russo-Japanese War", William

Blackwcod and Sons, London, 1905*9* Times Correspondent: "The War in the Far East, 1904-1905"*

E*P*Dutton and Co*, New York, 1905*10* Horsetzky, Adold von: "An Epitome of the Russo-Japanese

War of 1004-1905"* Seidel & Son, Vienna, 1915*11* Weale, B*L* Putnam: "Manohu and Muscovite"* MacMillan

and Co*, London, 1904*

? -


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IS. MoCormick, Frederick: nThe Tragedy of Russia inPacific Asia*. The Outing Publishing Co.New York, 1907

13* KUropetkin: "The Russian Army and the Japanese War"*E*PDutton and Co., New York, 1909*

14* Cordonnler, EL,Y: "The Japanese in Manclmria, 1904"Volume I, Hugh Rees, Ltd*, London, 1918*

All of the foregoing texts were found in the Library,Command and General Staff School) Fort Learenworth, Kansas,


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REFERENCE ABBREVIATIONS.Key (Aaf 67) No* 1 Text, page 67*1* Ask* - Asakawe, "The Russo-Japanese Conflict"3# Pr*- Porter, Robert P*- "Japan, the Rise of a Modern

Power3* En* Br*- "Encyclopaedia Britannioa, Vol. IV, Eleventh

Edition,4* En* Am. - "Encyclopedia Americana, Vol. 15, 1929",5* Germ* - Historical Section, German General Staff, nThe

Russo-Japanese War, The Yalu"*6* Brit* - Historical Sectiob, Committee of Imperial Defense,

(British)* "Official History of the Russo-JapaneseWar."

7* Bird* - Bird, W*D. "Strategy of the Russo-Japanese War".8* Chas* - Chasseur, *A Study of the Russo-Japanese War*.9* Times - Times Correspondent, wThe War in the Far East,

1004-1905*"10* Hor* - Horsitzky, Adold Ton* "An Epitome of the Russo-

Japanese War of 1904-1905*"11* Weal*- Weale, B*L*P* "Manchu and Muscorite19*IS* UcC - McCormick, Frederick* ^The Tragedy of Russia in

Paoifio Asia*"13* Kur*- Kuropatkin* "The Russian A m y and the Japanese

War*"14* Cord*- Cordonnier, E*L*T* nThe Japanese in Manchuria,

1904*"


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REFERENCE ABBREVIATIONSKey (Aft, 67) No* 1 Text, page 87*I* Ask* - Asakawa, "The Russo-Japanese Conflict"2* Pr*- Porter, Robert P*- "Japan, the Rise of a Modern

Power*3* En* Br*- Encyclopaedia Britannica, Yol* XV, Eleventh

Edition*4* En. Am* - "Encyclopedia Americana, Yol* 15, 1929",S* Germ* - Historical Section, German General Staff, "The

Russo-Japanese War, The Yalu"*6* Brit* - Historical Sectiofc, Committee of Imperial Defense,

(British), "Official History of the Russo-JapaneseWar.*

7* Bird* - Bird, W*D. nStrategy of the Russo-Japanese War".8* Chas, - Chasseur, "A Study of the Russo-Japanese War",9* Times - Times Correspondent, "The War in the Far East,

1904-1905*"10* Hor* * Horsitzky, Adold ron* "An Epitome of the Russo-

Japanese War of 1904-1905*"11* Weal*- Weale, B*L*P* "Manchu and Musoorite"*IS* UcC - UoCoxmiok, Frederick* "The Tragedy of Russia in

Pacific Asia*"13* Kur*- KUropatkin* "The Russian A m y and the Japanese

War*"14* Cord*- Cordonnier, E*L*Y* "The Japanese in Manohuria,

1904."-9

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Primary Causes of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905