Part 2/10:
The Russo-Japanese War ignited in 1904 with a surprise attack ordered by the Japanese admiral on the Russian fleet at Port Arthur. This initial naval engagement marked Japan's decisive entry into the war, crippling Russian forces and establishing a blockade that would set the tone for the ensuing conflict. As Japan quickly mobilized its military, it strategically advanced through Korea into Russian-held Manchuria, marking a historic first: an Asian nation was poised to challenge a European empire.