“Japanese military power was the most important reason for Japan’s victory in the Russo–Japanese War (1904–1905).” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that Japanese military power was the most important reason for Japan’s victory in the Russo–Japanese War (1904–1905). Reasons may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may offer equal coverage of the reasons or they may emphasize their assessment of one or more of them. Candidates may refer to Japanese military reforms, which began in 1870; a new navy was built, and new disciplinary and bushido moral codes were introduced. While other relevant factors, for example Russian underestimation of the Japanese and their logistical problems, or tactics used during the war, may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.

Candidates were required to consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that Japanese military power was the most important reason for Japan’s victory in the Russo–Japanese War (1904–1905). A relatively popular question with some strong responses. Although some discussion of Russia's weaknesses was valid there were a few responses that focused too heavily on Russia's internal problems rather than regional factors.