Japan Destroys Russian Fleet: Tsushima Reshapes World Power
Admiral Togo Heihachiro's Japanese fleet destroyed the Russian Baltic Fleet at the Battle of Tsushima on May 27-28, 1905, in one of the most decisive naval victories in history. The Russian fleet had sailed 18,000 miles from the Baltic Sea around Africa to reach the Far East, arriving exhausted and with fouled hulls. Togo's fleet, using superior training, speed, and gunnery, sank 21 Russian ships, captured seven, and killed or captured over 10,000 Russian sailors. Japanese losses were three torpedo boats and 117 dead. The victory forced Russia to negotiate peace in the Treaty of Portsmouth, ending the Russo-Japanese War. It was the first time in modern history that an Asian power had defeated a European great power, sending shockwaves through colonial capitals worldwide.
May 28, 1905
121 years ago
Key Figures & Places
Russia
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Russo-Japanese War
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Togo Heihachiro
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Imperial Japanese Navy
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Admiral
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Battle of Tsushima
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Baltic Fleet
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Russo-Japanese War
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Battle of Tsushima
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Baltic Fleet
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Admiral
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Tōgō Heihachirō
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Imperial Japanese Navy
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