Final answer:
The Russo-Japanese War was a conflict between Russia and Japan over control of Manchuria and Korea, resulting in a landmark Japanese victory. The war led to significant geopolitical shifts, with Japan emerging as a significant power and Russia undergoing internal turmoil, eventually leading to the establishment of the Duma.
Step-by-step explanation:
Russo-Japanese War Overview
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) became a pivotal moment in world history. The conflict began as a struggle between the Russian Empire and the Empire of Japan over territorial control in Northeast Asia, specifically Manchuria and Korea. Russia's ambitions to secure an ice-free port led them to lease land and establish Port Arthur on the Liaodong Peninsula, which became a point of contention with Japan, who had significant interests in Korea.
Japan's industrialization and modern military curtailed the perceived invincibility of European powers by delivering a shocking defeat to Russia. The war not only marked the first time an Asian nation triumphed over a European power in modern history but also set off a chain of events that would alter global power dynamics. Russia's defeat precipitated internal strife and precipitated the creation of the Duma, leading to a wave of unrest and revolution, while Japan's victory catapulted it to global recognition and increased influence in the region.
The war's conclusion with the Treaty of Portsmouth, which was facilitated by President Theodore Roosevelt (earning him the Nobel Peace Prize), resulted in Russia recognizing Japan's claims over Korea and ceding control over southern Manchuria to Japan. The conflict had far-reaching implications, including Japan's annexation of Korea in 1910 and reconfiguration of the balance of power in East Asia.