Was European arms race developed between nations seeking possessions in Japan and Russia?

Answer 1

Yes, the European arms race was influenced by nations seeking to expand their possessions in regions like Japan and Russia, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The competition for influence in Asia and the Pacific, alongside colonial ambitions, prompted countries like Britain, France, and Germany to build up their military capabilities. This arms buildup was part of a broader strategy to secure territorial claims and maintain dominance over rival powers in these regions. The tensions ultimately contributed to conflicts such as the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) and the larger geopolitical rivalries leading up to World War I.