Russo Japanese War Essay -- Russian Defeat, Distance

Is distance an insurmountable problem, judging from the Russian Experience in this conflict and the British experience in the War of American Independence? In order to clearly understand the points presented, insurmountable must first be clearly defined and understood in relation to the case. For this essay insurmountable means that Russia and the British were unable to overcome distance. Distance was the single factor that led to their inability to successfully wage war and defeat their opponents baring all other difficult matters were achievable. In the Russo-Japanese War, distance from theater and within theater was not an insurmountable problem for the Russians. In contrast, distance from and within theater proved an insurmountable problem for the British during the War of American Independence. The Russian’s defeat was a combination of a unaffectionate value of the object (government & people), inadequate leadership (government & forces), and a poorly trained and equipped force that could not t unite their land and sea forces (government & forces). However, the British were severely handicapped by vast area of operations; this impacted their ability to receive supplies, guidance, and reinforcements, as well as project its sea power effectively. By the late 1800’s Russia had infiltrated the Far East, with two naval stations, Port Arthur and Vladivostok, forces based in Manchuria as well as the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railroad. Russia military desires in Asia were not of national security importance but that of imperialism and wealth, the former was most important to Nicholas II and the latter of Witte. The Far East expansion would allow Russia to initially capitalize on Manchuria and Korea’s resourc... ... the war (Fuller, pg. 406). The trading capacity of Russia was also in shambles. Domestic trading and trading with Siberia was halted to support the sole use of Trans-Siberian railway for military transport (Warner and Warner, p.317). Revenue was down and the hatred for Nicholas II had increased. Nicholas II was warned that an object so remote and out of touch with the national spirit would only fan the flames of revolution (Koda, p.397). The Revolution was fully blown and the political and economic reform was being demanded. Boycotts and attacks on public officials were common. Nichols II content to lead a nation without the interest of his people, led Russia into war with itself. Russia was losing face value with the world. Matters on the home front needed immediate attention and the war was a distraction that could no longer be afforded or tolerated.