Railways and the Russo-Japanese War

This book explores the nexus between railways and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-05) – the first modern war, and one in which the railways played a key part. Felix Patrikeeff and Harry Shukman examine some of the key dimensions of the Russo-Japanese War, most notably how uncomfortably technological and human dimensions of Russia’s war effort interleaved in the course of the conflict. They demonstrate how advantages that might have been built upon were squandered, blunt traditional forms and habits were applied in politically tortuous contexts, and technological edge negated by the internal turmoil of a country unable to tame a process of modernization. Illustrating the vital role railways played in the Russo-Japanese War, generally considered to be the first modern, technological conflict and a precursor to the First World War, Railways and the Russo-Japanese War will appeal to students of the Russo-Japanese War, Russian history, military history and international history in general.