Treaty of Portsmouth (1905)
Historical documentAbout
The Treaty of Portsmouth, signed on September 5, 1905, was a pivotal agreement that ended the Russo-Japanese War. Negotiated at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, under the mediation of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, it marked a significant shift in the balance of power in East Asia. The treaty recognized Japan's dominance in Korea and granted it control over the Russian-built South Manchuria Railway and the southern half of Sakhalin Island. Russia, while avoiding reparations, had to cede its leases on the Liaodong Peninsula and evacuate Manchuria. The treaty's impact was profound, establishing Japan as a major power in East Asia. It influenced Russia's focus to shift towards European ambitions, contributing to future conflicts. The negotiations were complex, with Japan initially demanding reparations and full control of Sakhalin. However, they ultimately accepted the southern half without compensation. The treaty was ratified by both countries in October 1905, leading to years of uneasy peace between Russia and Japan. It marked a significant milestone in international relations, highlighting the role of diplomacy in resolving conflicts and shaping global power dynamics.
