The Russo-Japanese War did not erupt with the shocking ambush of Japan's naval forces, as history might have foretold.
Instead, it simmered—a slow, deliberate march toward inevitable conflict. The world's great powers had begun to prepare, aware that idleness in such a volatile climate would be nothing short of folly.
In St. Petersburg, the Russian Tsar listened intently as his advisors outlined the escalating tensions in the Far East.
"Your Majesty, the situation in the Far East grows dire.
General Kuropatkin has reported that war could break out at any moment."
"How many troops do we currently have in the region?" the Tsar asked, his voice measured but carrying the weight of command.
