How The Portsmouth Treaty Ended the Threat of World War! The 120th Anniversary of the Most Unheralded Document in U.S. History

In August 1905, the eyes of the world were looking at Portsmouth, N.H.

The site of the peace talks for ending the Russo-Japanese War, Portsmouth played host to the delegates from Russia and Japan, who hashed out the particulars of the deal at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

In this weeks-long affair, the citizens of Portsmouth rallied around the cause, hosting dinners, parties, and parades to create an environment suitable for bringing the Russo-Japanese War (named World War Zero due to alliances) to a swift end.

On today's episode, Portsmouth Treaty expert Stephanie Seacord joins the podcast to discuss why Russia and Japan went to war, why the United States intervened, how Portsmouth became the center of the talks, what happened at the shipyard, why the citizens of Portsmouth are partly to thank for the war's end, and so much more. Plus, why is the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, M.E.?!?!

CHAPTERS:

• Context for the Russo-Japanese War (00:00)
• Selecting Portsmouth for the peace talks (08:32)
• Why is the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, M.E.? (21:38)
• SPONSORS: Sea Love Portsmouth & Chinburg Properties (24:30)
• What happened in the peace talks (27:12)
• How the citizens of Portsmouth participated in the talks (36:40)
• Plans for commemorating the anniversary this week (49:00)

EVENTS:

• Seacoast Singles Dating Show at The Press Room on Saturday, 9/13. Sign up here.
• Seacoast Stories Dinner Club in Kittery on Wednesday, 9/17. Meet your new best friends by signing up here.

SPONSORS:

• ⁠Sea Love Portsmouth: Get 20% off your Portsmouth candle-making experience by saying "SEACOAST STORIES" in store. Book online today.
• ⁠⁠Chinburg Properties⁠⁠⁠
• David Higgins: The official investment office of "Seacoast Stories!" Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[e-mail]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started on the path toward better investment.

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