Admiral Makarov was killed when his flagship hit a mine. If either the ship missed the mine or he survived the sinking it is bound to have impacted on the rest of events as he seems a proactive and innovative admiral.
From Wikipedia
Admiral Makarov was sent to command theImperial Russian Navy's battle fleet stationed there on 24 February, establishing the battleship*Petropavlovsk*as his flagship. His leadership differed greatly from any other Russian naval officer during this war, offering diversity, aggression, and an ability to*"inspire confidence in his subordinates".[6]
Upon his assumption of command in early 1904, Makarov greatly increased the activity in the Russian*squadrons, as well as the general defense of Port Arthur.[7]*Until then the Russian fleet had generally done nothing[8]*but exist, as a*fleet in being.[9]Under Makarov's leadership,*"Russian squadrons put to sea nearly every day, constantly on the move, and ensuring that it was never taken by surprise outside the protection of Port Arthur's"*shore batteries.[10]
Unlike his predecessors, Makorov sought engagements with the Japanese,[11]*and kept his vessels in an*order of battle*in the roadstead of Port Arthur.[12]*
From Wikipedia
Admiral Makarov was sent to command theImperial Russian Navy's battle fleet stationed there on 24 February, establishing the battleship*Petropavlovsk*as his flagship. His leadership differed greatly from any other Russian naval officer during this war, offering diversity, aggression, and an ability to*"inspire confidence in his subordinates".[6]
Upon his assumption of command in early 1904, Makarov greatly increased the activity in the Russian*squadrons, as well as the general defense of Port Arthur.[7]*Until then the Russian fleet had generally done nothing[8]*but exist, as a*fleet in being.[9]Under Makarov's leadership,*"Russian squadrons put to sea nearly every day, constantly on the move, and ensuring that it was never taken by surprise outside the protection of Port Arthur's"*shore batteries.[10]
Unlike his predecessors, Makorov sought engagements with the Japanese,[11]*and kept his vessels in an*order of battle*in the roadstead of Port Arthur.[12]*