Show Notes
From 1850 Japan emerged from centuries of near isolation to become a global power by 1914. Here I explore that journey. How the Russo-Japanese war of 1905 changed everything, not just for Japan, but the other Asian nations and their attitude to Western colonial powers. At the same time, China, an ancient and dominant empire was being exploited by the west to gain trading favours and territorial rights. Their role in the war diminished by internal revolts and punitive foreign reparations and debt.
More from WW1: Unusual Tales from The Great War.
Throughout the 19th century China had been a weakening power despite a very long history of stability. An early WW1 battle saw Japan defeat the Germans at Tsingtao and then press China to concede, financial, economic and political control in vast areas of land. This pressure continued throughout the war. With restitution claims rejected in Paris, China refused to sign the Treaty. WW1 shaped China's 20th century and the country we see today.
After the Battle of Tsingtao and the demise of the German Asian Fleet, what happened to the Islands? The New Zealanders on Samoa and the "Battle with the Wireless Mast". The Australians on New Guinea and their first casualties of the war, indiscipline and looting.
As Britain was recalling regiments from it's Empire, they were replaced by units from the Indian Army with new challenges and different loyalties. In Singapore, the 5th Light Infantry of Muslim soldiers from the North West Frontier were one such Regiment.
As the German fleet headed west, the SMS Emden sailed to the Indian Ocean and created havoc amongst allied naval and commercial shipping. When beaten by HMAS Sydney, a great Australian victory, an abandoned landing party create their own heroic history to return home.
In August 1914, under Admiral von Spee, the German Navy crossed the Pacific to inflict a terrible defeat on the British at the Battle of Coronel. A few months later their fate was sealed at the Battle of the Falklands.