Primarily the cause of the revolution was the dismal failure of Russia against the Japanese during the Russo-Japanese War. The biggest defeat suffered by the Russians occurred after they sailed their Baltic Fleet nearly around the world to meet the Japanese at the Battle of Tsushima Straits. Admiral Togo of Japan was heralded as the "new Nelson" for his great victory over the Russians in which nearly every ship of the Russian fleet was sunk or captured compared to a minimal loss for Japanese forces. Togo's flagship the "Mikasa" is still on display in Tokyo Bay. A ship I'm proud to say I had the honor of stepping aboard since this was one of my favorite military battles to study.
