Destroy the IJN!

So, this is sort of a double topic.

A) WI the Beiyang Fleet wins the Battle of the Yalu? The most obvious solution here is to reduce the late Qing's corruption to a manageable level, at least in terms of naval affairs. Perhaps the Dowager Empress retains her interest in the navy, dissuading embezzlement from her pet project? It was a close-fought affair as is, and a few more hits from good shells would have easily destroyed the IOTL badly damaged IJN ships, including the flagship Matsushima. What next?

B) WI the Russian Navy wins the Battle of Tsushima? This is harder. Even if Oryol realizes that it was an IJN ship that she encountered, the Baltic Fleet is still in horrible condition and not ready for battle. Any ideas?
 
Well, A is clearly pre-1900 and belongs in the other discussion group. Option B is workable, but probably unlikely for the reason you gave. If using the Russo-Japanese War as a POD then your best bet would be Makarov commanding the First Pacific Squadron out of Port Arthur and defeating Togo in a decisive battle. That won't necessarily destroy the Imperial Japanese Navy. Against Russia and China the Japanese have both the economy to build a new navy and the officer corps to command it.
 
A does not lead to B, that is the problem

If the Chinese win against the Japanese, then it would be China and Russia fighting over Korea, rather than China and Japan

A victorious China will avoid some of the problems of OTL, the European rush for leases, and the Boxer Rebellion

But its going to end up clashing with Russia, and this could be a Russo-Chinese War that sees Japan on Russia's side

If Britain is worried about growing Russian influence, and has a position to protect in China, then this could lead to a general war.

France would probably come in, on Russia's side of course, leading perhaps to the Triple Alliance siding with Britain

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
I don't think the OP meant that A would lead to B, just presenting the 2 previous times Japan decided to take on a much larger and technically stronger foe and winning through skill and elan. Which made them think this would always work.

That won't necessarily destroy the Imperial Japanese Navy. Against Russia and China the Japanese have both the economy to build a new navy and the officer corps to command it.

A reverse Tsushima most definitely would mean the end of the Imperial Japanese Navy, at least as a significant power for many years. Japan has never had the economy to build a new navy. (or in this case, order a new navy from Vickers Armstrong) It was practically bankrupt OTL by the time the R-J War was mediated as it is. That said, an actual reverse Tsushima is exceedingly unlikely, considering the Japanese fleet had always had the advantage in speed, and was both well trained and led by competent officers.
 
I don't think the OP meant that A would lead to B, just presenting the 2 previous times Japan decided to take on a much larger and technically stronger foe and winning through skill and elan. Which made them think this would always work.



A reverse Tsushima most definitely would mean the end of the Imperial Japanese Navy, at least as a significant power for many years. Japan has never had the economy to build a new navy. (or in this case, order a new navy from Vickers Armstrong) It was practically bankrupt OTL by the time the R-J War was mediated as it is. That said, an actual reverse Tsushima is exceedingly unlikely, considering the Japanese fleet had always had the advantage in speed, and was both well trained and led by competent officers.
ok how about WI Russia loses a closely fought Tushima
 
Top