what started the russo - japanese war?\nrussia issued a preemptive strike on japan in the sea of china.\nthe…

what started the russo - japanese war?\nrussia issued a preemptive strike on japan in the sea of china.\nthe conflict over korea escalated into war near seoul, korea.\njapan launched a surprise attack on the city of port arthur in russia.\nnegotiations to avoid war broke down, and war ensued.
Answer
Brief Explanations:
The Russo - Japanese War began when Japan launched a surprise attack on the Russian - held Port Arthur (now Lüshunkou District, Dalian, China) on February 8, 1904. This was a significant event as it was an unprovoked attack that escalated tensions between the two powers. The first option is incorrect as it was Japan that attacked, not Russia. The second option is not the immediate cause (the conflict over Korea was a long - term issue but the direct start was the attack on Port Arthur). The fourth option is too vague; the specific event that started the war was the attack on Port Arthur.
Answer:
Japan launched a surprise attack on the city of Port Arthur in Russia.