The Treaty of Portsmouth

The Russo – Japanese war was fought between the Empire of Japan and the Russian Empire during 1904 – 1905. After a series of battles and conflicts, both sides were exhausted. The Japanese economy was severely strained by the war and the Russian were shook by the defeat of their army and navy. The final straw was the Battle of Mukden and Tsushima which were extremely costy both in manpower and resources for both sides, and the call for peace was made. With mediation from U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, the Portsmouth Peace Conference was led. After a total of twelve sessions, the Treaty of Portsmouth were signed between sides. The signing of the treaty marked the end of the war, recognized Japan as the major power in East Asia and acknowledged its interests on Korea that eventually led up to the annexation of Korea.