Tsushima belongs beside Lissa and Trafalgar because a large part of one fleet was destroyed and the result changed expectations about naval power. The Japanese performance may even compare favorably with Britain's at Trafalgar. Later dismissals of the Russian Navy can obscure how the contest looked beforehand. Russia entered as a recognized major power, while Japan had not yet received that status, so the paper balance did not predict the outcome.
Notable Point · 28:10-29:13
Tsushima's upset belongs beside Trafalgar and Lissa
Tsushima's place among decisive naval battles comes from the destruction inflicted and the reversal of prewar expectations about Russia and Japan.