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Japan against Spain in 1894

An 1894 war with Spain would catch Japan before the naval growth that made it a far more formidable power later in the decade.

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Question

What happens if Japan attacks Spain in 1894?

Short answer

Spain might win because Japan had not yet reached the naval strength it displayed later in the 1890s.

Notes

Japan's navy in 1894 was much weaker than the force it would field later. Spain is therefore judged capable of winning this hypothetical war. The answer depends on that early date and does not extend the judgement to Japan's later naval strength.