A War for Civilization
The Russo Japanese War (1904 5) marked a watershed in global history. Victory over Russia secured Japan's position as the first Asian 'great power' But it also raised an acute debate over the meaning and implications of its sudden rise. Some praised the Japanese victory as the triumph of 'civilization' over Russian barbarism; others pointed ominously to the effect that the destruction of a 'white power' would have on the collective European colonial project in Asia. Policymakers, both in London and its self governing colonies, were forced to reckon with the implications of Japan's bid for equality. In the aftermath of the Russo Japanese War, Britain, Canada, and Australia all took symbolic steps to demonstrate their willingness to recognize Japan as a co equal member of the international system.