Guangzhou 1904: The Centennial of the Russo-Japanese War

A History of the Russo-Japanese War

The Russo-Japanese War was a conflict fought between the Russian Empire and the Empire of Japan from February 1904 to September 1905. The war began over rival imperial ambitions in Manchuria and Korea.

Guangzhou 1904: The Opening Battle

Guangzhou, then known as Canton, was the site of the first major battle of the Russo-Japanese War. The Battle of Guangzhou began on February 9, 1904, when Japanese forces attacked the Russian garrison in the city.

The Japanese forces were led by General Kuroki Tamemoto. The Russian forces were led by General Stoessel Anatoliy Mikhailovich.

The Japanese captured Guangzhou after a three-day battle, inflicting heavy casualties on the Russian forces. The victory at Guangzhou gave the Japanese a significant psychological boost and set the stage for their eventual victory in the war.

The Legacy of Guangzhou 1904

The Battle of Guangzhou was a turning point in the Russo-Japanese War. The Japanese victory demonstrated that they were a force to be reckoned with, and it helped to galvanize support for the war effort in Japan.

The Russo-Japanese War ended with the Treaty of Portsmouth in 1905. The treaty gave Japan control of Korea and Manchuria, and it marked the beginning of Japan's rise as a major power in the Far East.

Guangzhou 1904: Lessons Learned

The Battle of Guangzhou taught both the Japanese and the Russians valuable lessons.

For the Japanese, the battle showed that they could defeat a Western power in a modern war. This victory gave the Japanese confidence and helped to fuel their ambitions for further expansion in Asia.

For the Russians, the battle showed that they were not prepared for a modern war. The Russian forces were outgunned and outmaneuvered by the Japanese, and they suffered heavy casualties. The defeat at Guangzhou led to widespread criticism of the Russian government and military, and it helped to set the stage for the Russian Revolution of 1917.

Tips and Tricks for Visiting Guangzhou

If you are planning to visit Guangzhou, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

• Guangzhou is a large and crowded city. Be prepared for large crowds and long lines.
• The weather in Guangzhou can be hot and humid. Be sure to drink plenty of water and wear light clothing.
• Guangzhou is a popular tourist destination. Be sure to book your accommodations and tours in advance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when visiting Guangzhou:

• Don't be afraid to ask for help. The people of Guangzhou are generally friendly and helpful, and they will be happy to point you in the right direction.
• Don't overpack. Guangzhou is a hot and humid city, so you won't need to pack a lot of clothes.
• Don't be afraid to try the local food. Guangzhou is known for its delicious cuisine, so be sure to sample some of the local dishes.

FAQs

1. What is the best time to visit Guangzhou?

The best time to visit Guangzhou is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild.

2. What are the must-see attractions in Guangzhou?

Some of the must-see attractions in Guangzhou include the Canton Tower, the Guangzhou Museum, and the Shamian Island.

3. What is the local currency in Guangzhou?

The local currency in Guangzhou is the Chinese yuan.

4. Is it safe to travel to Guangzhou?

Guangzhou is generally a safe city to travel to. However, it is always important to take precautions against petty crime.

5. What are the best ways to get around Guangzhou?

The best ways to get around Guangzhou are by public transportation or by taxi.

6. What is the average cost of a hotel room in Guangzhou?

The average cost of a hotel room in Guangzhou is around $50 per night.

7. Is it easy to communicate in Guangzhou?

English is not widely spoken in Guangzhou. However, there are many people who can speak Mandarin or Cantonese.

8. What are some tips for saving money while traveling in Guangzhou?

Here are a few tips for saving money while traveling in Guangzhou:

• Stay in a hostel or guesthouse. Hostels and guesthouses are much cheaper than hotels.
• Eat at local restaurants. Local restaurants are much cheaper than tourist restaurants.
• Take public transportation. Public transportation is much cheaper than taxis.

Call to Action

If you are interested in learning more about the Russo-Japanese War or Guangzhou 1904, I encourage you to do some further research. There are many excellent books and articles available on the subject.

I also encourage you to visit Guangzhou. It is a fascinating city with a rich history and culture.

Additional Resources

• The Russo-Japanese War
• The Battle of Guangzhou
• Guangzhou

Tables

Table 1: Casualties at the Battle of Guangzhou

Table 2: Japanese Forces at the Battle of Guangzhou

Table 3: Russian Forces at the Battle of Guangzhou