The Meiji period saw sweeping transformation in nearly every aspect of Japanese society. The political status quo which it established paved the way for future infighting and the government's tendency toward repression cast a dark shadow. #History #Japan

After the Russo-Japanese War, the Meiji government moved quickly to solidify their control of Korea, gradually chipping away at the sovereignty of its government until annexation became the only logical next step.

#History #Japan #Korea #Podcast

In case anyone hasn’t listened to the latest episode yet, the pod is taking two weeks off and will resume on January 13. Happy holidays everyone!

Both Russia and Japan were desperate to end the Russo-Japanese War by the summer of 1905. However, the conditions of that peace would not bring an end to domestic turmoil in Russia, and would inaugurate entirely fresh domestic turmoil in Japan.

After securing the southern portion of Liaodong Province, the Imperial Japanese Army proceeded to besiege Port Arthur while simultaneously fighting Russian forces to their north in increasingly costly and difficult battles. #History #Japan #Russia

In February of 1904, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on Port Arthur and initiate the Russo-Japanese War. #History #Japan #Russia #War