Russia at the Time of the Treaty of Portsmouth (1905)
The 1905 signing of the Treaty of Portsmouth brought an end to the Russo-Japanese War. This illustrated presentation focuses on the social, cultural and political atmosphere in Russia in 1905 and on the "behind-the-scenes" intrigues at play leading up to Russia's decision to participate in the Portsmouth peace talks. There will be a discussion of Tsar Nicholas' complex relationship with his colorful and charismatic delegation leader, Sergei Witte, and an examination of the disruptive aftermath of the Treaty in Russia, resulting in the fall of the Romanov dynasty and the rise of the Soviet state. The lecture includes archive photos of Russia at the time of the events.