The Russo-Japanese War was the first major conflict of the 20th century, as vast armies clashed in Manchuria incurring enormous casualties. Its global significance was immense, as the tactics deployed during this war anticipated the trench warfare of World War 1 - year-round campaigning in massive trench systems, widespread use of machine guns, and the costly failure of frontal assault tactics. This book shows how both armies began the war in bright uniforms, which quickly proved fatal, and the events that led to both being in khaki before the war's end.