Major States 1003
MID#131
Started in September 1899. See the narrative in the 365 Russia/730 Korea dyad dis-
pute list.
MID#180
Dispute Number: 180
Date(s): June 29, 1903 to September 5, 1905
Participants: 365 Russia/730 Korea, 740 Japan
Outcome (and Settlement): Victory for side B (Negotiated)
Fatalities: >999 deaths
Narrative: The Russo-Japanese War occurs largely as a result of the total vulnerabil-
ity of China at the end of the 19th century and the desire for Russia and Japan to fulfill
their imperial ambitions as a result (see also MID#131). Russia focused on Manchuria
while Japan was monopolizing its influence in Korea. During the Boxer Rebellion
and immediate fallout, Russia began to expand its influence into Korea, much to the
distress of Japan. Throughout 1903, Russia and Japan tried to negotiate an end to the
issue, but to no avail. Russia was ultimately served a demand by Japan to evacuate
Manchuria. Russia refused. Japan responded by severing ties with Russia on February
6, 1904. Four days later, Japan declared war.
The war proved disastrous for Russia. The Japanese surprise attack on Port Arthur
blockaded Russian ships there. The Russians on site ultimately surrendered after the
long siege. In a desperate move, the Russians rerouted its Baltic fleet to the Pacific.
Once they arrived, they were routed in the Battle of Tshushima on May 27, 1905, in
what was the most decisive naval rout since Trafalgar in 1805. Russia sought peace.
The Treaty of Portsmouth was signed on September 5, with mediation from US Presi-
dent Teddy Roosevelt. Russia lost most of its holdings in the Pacific as a result.
Port Arthur was ceded to Japan, as was the southern half of the Sakhalin Island,
and Japanese dominance of Korea was recognized. Manchuria was returned to China
while the Chinese Eastern Railway (see MID#3250) was ceded to Japan as well.
Coding changes: End Date changed from September 15, 1905.
MID#197
Started in November 1917. See the narrative in the 200 United Kingdom/365 Russia
dyad dispute list.
MID#178
Dispute Number: 178
Date(s): April 1932 to March 23, 1935
Participants: 365 Russia/740 Japan
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Negotiated)
Fatalities: 1–25 deaths