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The Convention of Kanagawa: A Turning Point in Japanese History

John Parker

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Published in The Convention Of Kanagawa: The Treaty Between The United States And The Empire Of Japan

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The Convention of Kanagawa was a treaty signed between the United States and Japan on March 31, 1854. The treaty opened Japan to foreign trade and marked the beginning of the end of Japan's isolationist policy.

The convention was negotiated by Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States Navy and Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shogun of Japan. Perry had arrived in Japan in July 1853 with a fleet of four warships. He demanded that Japan open its ports to American ships and trade. The shogun was reluctant to agree to Perry's demands, but he eventually realized that he had no choice but to comply.

The Convention of Kanagawa: The Treaty between the United States and the Empire of Japan.

by Philip Taubman

5 out of 5

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The Convention of Kanagawa consisted of 12 articles. The most important articles stipulated that:

Japan would open the ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to American ships.
American citizens would be allowed to reside in Japan.
The United States would have the right to appoint a consul to Japan.

The Convention of Kanagawa was a significant turning point in Japanese history. It marked the end of Japan's isolationist policy and the beginning of its integration into the global economy.

Background

Japan had been a closed country for over 200 years before the arrival of Commodore Perry. The country had adopted a policy of isolationism in the early 17th century in order to protect itself from Western influence. This policy was known as sakoku, which means "closed country."

During the 19th century, the Western powers began to pressure Japan to open its ports to trade. The United States, in particular, was interested in establishing a coaling station in Japan for its ships that were sailing to China. In 1853, President Millard Fillmore sent Commodore Perry to Japan to negotiate a treaty.

Negotiations

Perry arrived in Japan on July 8, 1853, with a fleet of four warships. He anchored his ships in Tokyo Bay and sent a letter to the shogun, demanding that Japan open its ports to American trade. The shogun was reluctant to agree to Perry's demands, but he eventually realized that he had no choice but to comply.

Perry and the shogun's representatives began negotiations in February 1854. The negotiations were difficult, and the two sides差点disagree on several issues. However, they eventually reached an agreement on March 31, 1854.

Terms of the Treaty

The Convention of Kanagawa consisted of 12 articles. The most important articles stipulated that:

Japan would open the ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to American ships.
American citizens would be allowed to reside in Japan.
The United States would have the right to appoint a consul to Japan.

The treaty also included provisions for the treatment of shipwrecked American sailors and for the establishment of a coaling station for American ships in Japan.

Impact of the Treaty

The Convention of Kanagawa was a significant turning point in Japanese history. It marked the end of Japan's isolationist policy and the beginning of its integration into the global economy.

The treaty had a number of immediate effects. It led to the opening of Japan's ports to foreign trade, the establishment of foreign legations in Japan, and the beginning of a process of modernization in Japan.

The treaty also had a long-term impact on Japan. It helped to lay the foundation for Japan's emergence as a major economic and military power in the 20th century.

The Convention of Kanagawa was a landmark agreement that marked the beginning of a new era in Japanese history. It opened Japan to foreign trade and led to the country's eventual integration into the global economy.

The Convention of Kanagawa: The Treaty between the United States and the Empire of Japan.

by Philip Taubman

5 out of 5