No more instructive campaign than the Russo-Japanese War of 1904 could be selected for the student of early 20th century military history, as it shows the technological advancements that altered the capacity in which nations waged war after the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. This is one of a series of studies on campaigns and battles by Lt Col Kearsey, designed to help the student of military history, particularly those studying for Staff College, and for promotional examinations on Military History.

The war fought between the Russian Empire and the Empire of Japan over rival imperial ambitions in Manchuria and Korea was important as many of the technological innovations brought on by the Industrial Revolution first became present on the battlefield. Developments of modern armaments, such as rapid-firing artillery and machine guns, as well as more accurate carbine rifles, were first used on a mass scale. This demonstrated that warfare in a new age of technology had undergone a considerable change since the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. Most army commanders had previously envisioned using these weapon systems to dominate the battlefield on an operational and tactical level but, as events played out, these technological advancements forever altered the capacity in which nations would wage war.

Content:

Introduction to the Russo-Japanese War, 1904. Appreciation of the Situation at the Outbreak of the Russo-Japanese War. Operations up to and including the Battle of the River Yalu, 1st of May. Operations up to and including the Battle of Nanshan, 26th of May. Operations up to and including the Battle of Telissu, 14th and 15th of June. Operations up to and including the Battle of Fenshuiling, 26th and 27th of June. Operations up to and including the Action at Chiaotou, 19th of July. Operations up to and including the Battle of Tashihchiao, 24th of July. Operations up to and including the Battles of Yangtzuling and Yushuling, 31st of July. Operations up to the 24th of August.