The Origins and Causes of the Russo-Japanese War
Connor Hepburn
Diamond 9 Diagram
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1. Russia needed warm water ports because most of their other ports on the western side were frozen ports and increase its trade.
2/3. The need to keep Russia distracted from internal problems (Social Imperialism).
4. Attitudes of Tsarist ministers about the war promoted the need for social imperialism.
5. Attack on Port Arthur would be recognised as an act of war.
6. Both powers wanted to protect their investment
Growing unrest inside Russia (1) - arson attacks by peasantry on noble's property - 1903-1904 'The year of the Red Cockerel'
Growing unrest inside Russia (2) - escalation of industrial strikes - 90,000 in 1904
Weakness of China at end of 19th Century and both Russia's and Japan's claims over the Liadong Peninsula
Japan's growing population - a desire for more land and more resources
Russia's desire to gain more ports and coastlines - especially a 'warm water' port
Japan's desire to increase its prestige - by defeating a European Power if possible
Japan's attack on Port Arthur, January 2nd 1904
Nicholas II's personality and racist beliefs - including a hatred of Japan dating back to 1890
Attitudes of Tsarist ministers - Plehve's (or Witte's?) comment that Russia needed 'a short swift victorious war' - encouragement to the Tsar
