Remarkably, many Jewish soldiers did manage to uphold their faith under fire
ON September 5, 1905, after four weeks of tense negotiations, Russian and Japanese diplomats met in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to sign a treaty ending a war that had stunned the world and redrawn the map of East Asia.
The Russo-Japanese War began in early 1904, driven by clashing imperial ambitions in Northeast Asia, particularly over rival claims to Manchuria and Korea. That February, Japan launched a surprise attack on Russia’s fleet at Port Arthur, catching the Czar’s forces completely off guard. That bold opening strike set the tone for the conflict. In battle after battle, Japan’s army and navy outmaneuvered and outfought the far larger Russian military, scoring costly but decisive victories.
As the war dragged on, the world looked on in disbelief as the Russian Empire suffered defeat after defeat. By mid-1905, with its treasury drained and revolution brewing at home, Russia was finally ready to seek peace.
At the invitation of President Theodore Roosevelt, envoys of both combatants convened in Portsmouth to negotiate a peace agreement. Roosevelt had selected Portsmouth for its modern facilities and its naval shipyard, which provided security, reliable communication, and a quiet setting away from the political pressures of Washington, D.C. The New England summer also offered a cooler climate for the extended talks.
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