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Primary sourceDocument1904

Russian Declaration of War Against Japan

Nicholas II of Russia · 1904

The 1904 proclamation by Nicholas II declaring war on Japan after the attack on Port Arthur, which began the Russo-Japanese War.

The formal declaration of war issued in Nicholas II's name, starting the Russo-Japanese War.

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Source: Wikisource

About this source

What it is

This is the English translation of the official declaration issued in 1904 by Emperor Nicholas II, announcing that Russia was at war with Japan. It explains that Japanese forces attacked the Russian squadron at Port Arthur without a formal declaration, prompting Nicholas II to order armed resistance.

Why it matters

This document marks the start of the Russo-Japanese War, a conflict that exposed weaknesses in the Russian Empire and contributed to unrest that eventually threatened Nicholas II's rule. As a proclamation issued in his name, it shows how the emperor presented Russia's actions to his own people.

Look closer

  • How does the declaration describe Japan's actions, and whose side does the language favor?
  • Why might a ruler choose to frame a war as a response to being attacked first?
  • What does this document not tell you about the causes of the war?

This document is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Tsar Nicholas II on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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