Copyright 2007 T. Sheil & A. Sheil All Rights Reserved
The Russo-Japanese war of 1904 - 1905 pitted a newly-modernized Asian nation against one of the old empire. Half a century after emerging from isolation, Japan made a jump from medieval society to modern industrial nation. It had not taken the japanese long to make the transition. With the help of America and Britain, Japan entered the modern world.
The Japanese were quick to assess their position in Asia. They understood that their nation was the healthiest independent state in the region. China was a crumbling monarchy. Russia was a stale old empire teetering on the edge of revolution. Most of the other Asian nations were colonies of Western countries. Japan felt it could become the strongest nation in the western Pacific.
Japan had moved from its medieval Samurai armies to a military based on Western models. In 1894, a war with China gave the modern Japanese army a chance to show it mettle. It did. The Chinese capitulated in 1905, ceding their influence over Korea to the Japanese. Friction with Russia increased as a result.
For its part, the Russian military embodied all the worst of aristocratic rule. Officers received their commissions and promotion more by royal favor than my merit. Nepotism and favoritism put cronies in key places, regardless of their military abilities. The rank and file were treated poorly. Russia as a nation was rife with unrest. The iron-handed government of Czar Nicholas landed heavily on the common folk. Repression and exploitation within Russia compounded the old empire's difficulties.
The Japanese were of a different sort. Their officers were promoted by merit. Under the Japanese military system, neither political favor nor cronyism could promote a man who could earn his place. The Japanese reinforced their army by hard and intelligent training, modern weapons, and reliance on a superb junior officer corps.
These photos show the Japanese Army of 1904 - 1905 in China and Siberia. They include images of infantry, cavalry and other ranks, as well as Korean laborers. What we see are images of a modern army at the beginning of the 20th Century This was a transition period for armies.
Miniatursists take note: there are many clear images of the troops and their equipment
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Japanese troops in trenches, in khaki uniform |
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Japanese troops, winter clothing |
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Field haircut. Troops wear blue uniforms |
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Japanese officers in greatcoats. |
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Cold evening in Siberia for the Japanese army |
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NCO and officer in blue uniforms |
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Japanese cavalrymen handling supplies. Man on right is a Korean laborer |
