Tsushima: 120 Years Since a Decisive Naval Battle

The Battle of Tsushima: A Century of Lessons from a Decisive Naval Clash 120 years ago, the waters off Tsushima Strait witnessed a clash that reshaped naval warfare and the balance of power in East Asia. The Battle of Tsushima, fought between the Russian Baltic Fleet and the Japanese Combined Fleet on May 27, 1905, was a decisive victory for Japan, marking a turning point in the Russo-Japanese War. The Russian fleet, having traversed 18,000 miles, arrived in the Pacific severely depleted. Their ships were in poor condition, and their crews lacked adequate training for the unfamiliar waters. In contrast, Admiral Togo's Japanese fleet was well-prepared and highly trained. "Their massive journey left them in very poor condition," explains the video narrator, highlighting the Russian fleet's vulnerability. The Japanese utilized the "crossing the T" formation, allowing them to unleash devastating broadsides while the Russians could only fire their forward guns. The result was catastrophic for Russia. 21 ships were sunk, with 5,000 sailors killed and 6,000 captured. The Battle of Tsushima stands as a testament to the importance of preparation, training, and strategic advantage in naval warfare. It also serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict.