How did the Russo Japanese War make the US more powerful?
1 Answer
The Russo-Japanese War (1904-05) eliminated Russia as a major Pacific Rim power. Japan although victorious was still developing its strength. America, as Mediator showed its power and influence.
Explanation:
Much of Russian 19th Century expansion was seeking a warm water port anywhere. Vladivostok in Asia was only open in summer. The acquisition of Port Arthur on the Liaotung Peninsula in Manchuria (1898) by lease from China was an important acquisition. Russia spent a lot of money on rail links and defenses. Its loss in 1905 was a blow to Russia and a gain for Japan. Russia also lost a large part of its fleet at the same time. Troop losses for both Japan and Russia were severe during the fighting.
The Peace treaty was mediated by President Theodore Roosevelt. Neither Russia nor Japan was able to keep Manchuria which had seen heavy fighting. It was returned to China. The American mediation showed its power and interest in the region. Japan would assert itself in Manchuria later as part of the lead up to World War 2.
Conflicting American and Japanese interests in China would become major point of contention between Japan and the U.S. leading to Japan's attacks during World War 2.
