The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) was the first conflict in this century fought between great powers. Japan seized the planned idea by launching a "bolt from the blue" attack on Russian naval forces in the Far East and landing an army on the Asian mainland. Japan's first gain did not produce a fast end to the problem, which lasted for almost nineteen months. The fighting on land lasted around the desperate blockade of the Russian naval base at Port Arthur and large battles fought in Manchuria. Neither side proved able to win. At sea, however, the Japanese achieved a series of notable s…
