- The Treaty of Portsmouth, which ended the Russo-Japanese War, forced the Russian Empire to give up the southern half of Sakhalin Island and the lease of the Liaodong Peninsula to Japan.
- This loss of territory was seen as humiliating for Russia because it marked the first time in history that the country had ceded territory to an Asian power.
2. Damaged Prestige and Military Reputation:
- The Russian military, renowned for its size and strength, suffered several defeats at the hands of the Japanese forces during the war.
- The naval defeat in particular, highlighted by the sinking of the Russian fleet in the Battle of Tsushima, dealt a significant blow to Russia's reputation as a major military power.
3. Exposed Domestic Issues:
- The war revealed various weaknesses within the Russian Empire, including inefficiencies in military leadership and organization.
- It also intensified social unrest, as many Russian peasants were unhappy about the war and viewed it as the government neglecting their interests.
4. Weakened International Position:
- The defeat weakened Russia's position internationally and reduced its influence in Asia.
- In contrast, it boosted Japan's prestige and influence in the region.
5. Domestic Turmoil:
- The war added to the rising discontent among the Russian population. This contributed to the 1905 Russian Revolution, further exacerbating the already delicate political situation in the Russian Empire.