In the late of the 19th Century, both Russia and Japan harboured strong colonial ambitions in the Far East. In 1894 Japan attacked China and scored a quick victory, but was forced to hand over large parts of Manchuria to Russia - especially the important harbour of Port Arthur.
However, it soon became clear that Japan was not going to accept being cheated of so valuable a trophy.
In February 1904, Japan attacked without declaring war, squadrons of her torpedo boats opening the hostilities with a surprise attack - "a rehearsal for Pearl Harbour" - against Russian Warships laying anchored at Port Arthur.
At the same time, Japanese troops landed at Inchon, and quickly moved north, against the Yalu, where the Russians were digging in...
