The Russo-Japanese War

Essay # 61792

Asian Studies
European Studies
History > Asian
History > Russian
International Relations

Discusses the strategies of both sides in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905).

2,380 words () | 8 sources | MLA | 2005 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper examines to what extent did strategic preparation for the Russo-Japanese War determine the success of the belligerents in its outcome. It also looks at which side did the better job of planning for the termination of the war. The paper shows that there is no doubt that the Japanese were more prepared than the Russians in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905. While the Russians were trying to become an imperial nation without understanding the costs associated with being one, the Japanese drew up a plan to confront the Russians. The keystone to this plan included a naval buildup to control the seas surrounding Japan, and a system of alliances that would eliminate foreign intervention. In addition, Japan studied its enemy and devised a strategy that would cripple the Russian fleet and capture the Korean peninsula. The paper shows that the Russians had no plan except for the complete overthrow of Japan and its disarmament. While Russia did not use the tools necessary to win a decision, Japan planned and executed an almost flawless limited war against a much greater power.

Paper Outline
Introduction
The Seeds of War
Preparing for Battle
Balance of Power
Planning of the War
Termination of the War
Conclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper:

"As stated previously, Japanese strategists had studied the future conflict and made key assumptions. These assumptions focused on the fact that Japan had to prevent Russia from escalating the conflict and asserting its full strength in the war. Lastly, Japan would have to convince Russia that it could not win. It has already been seen that escalation would have been difficult as Russia was already diplomatically isolated and could not bring in new allies. In addition, Russian could not truly expand the war since Japan controlled the seas, and an attack on the Japanese islands was unlikely. Lastly, since Japan had limited objectives and never invaded Russian soil, the quantity and quality of Russian troops never developed."