Treaty Of Kanagawa Dbq Essay

United States, a time called the Meiji Period caused newly learned ideas to change the Japanese

It took the Treaty of Kanagawa and unfair treatment by the US to weaken the shogunate and make way for the nationalist movements of the Meiji Restoration. The sweeping reforms put into place by the new constitutional monarchy put Japan back into the game - with rapid industrialization. military expansion, and advanced education. The landscape itself was useful for Japan's industrial age, as it consisted of mountains, valleys, and open plains, with bays, peninsulas, and small islands off the coast. (Doc. 6) The harbors formed along this coast made fishing the most viable trade, bringing in food for the country's citizens and forming a successful Japanese industry. Fishing also provided a segue into the market for naval development, meaning that in a short period of time, Japan had created one of the most sophisticated and powerful navies in all of the world. Because of the layout

With the change of government in Japan, economic change soon followed. Banks were founded to invest in capital, railways and steam boats were developed, restrictions on trade such as tariffs and guilds were removed, and land was re-distributed. These reforms helped spur the Industrial

This changed quickly during Emperor Meiji’s rule, but these changes also helped to create an intense superiority complex within Japan, a social change. They felt superior to all Western countries, no matter the fact that they were adamantly attempting to copy the revolutions of the West. The Japanese government and peoples were angered by the under-representation in world issues and world treaties, such as the Treaty of Versaille after World War I, and in the League of Nations. Rightfully so, but they demanded payment of the territory they lost after the Treaty of Versaille, which they were not involved in, was signed and

Much like in Japan when Matthew Perry of the United States came in and insisted in having Japan open up its ports to diplomatic and commercial relations with the US, and since the shogun felt he had no other option, he complied with Perry’s order. As the westerners had their way with both east Asian nations, the threat of western industrialization became a reality, and due to the amount of hunger and economic depression in their societies, their people began to crave industrialization seeing the amount of success in the western societies that were industrialized. There began to be an increased amount of rebellion, and a fight for change in these two nations, but the results that came from these rebellions and the main argument for these rebellions differed.

Japan wanted to remain isolated from Great Britain and British colonies, including America. They did this because

Although Japan changed in many ways from 1853 to 1941, there were also many factors that remained the same throughout the history of Japan. One such continuity was the maintained existence of a figurehead ruler controlled by other political authorities. The feudalistic emperor of Japan was the supposed “highest, most powerful authority” in the land, but was actually controlled by the military leaders- the shogun. Similarly, the militaristic emperor of Japan decades later continued to remain a figurehead ruler controlled by military and government officials. In addition, Japan continued to remain reliant on exports in order to maintain its economy. As a result of Japan’s small geographical size, the island nation had few natural resources and was forced to rely on exports to survive economically. The nation also grew increasingly reliant on other nations to provide materials and supplies that it could not provide for itself. This complete reliance on other nations was seen illustrated when the Japanese military was provoked to attacking another superpower- the United States, in response to the 1940 United States embargo

In the year 1853, Perry sailed to the Tokyo harbor aboard the frigate Susqueahanna on July 8. The intentions of Commander Matthew Perry in Japan were merely to force a trade agreement between the government of the previously named country, and the United States; during this period, all western powers were desperately pursuing to open new markets to sell their goods abroad. At the time, the Japanese government did not have on disposition a naval force that could somehow stop Commander Perry. By all means, the Commander was able amplify any demand he wanted by force. Later on, other world powers such as Britain, France, Russia, and Holland opted to follow Perry’s trail to Japan, it could be said that Japan was merely a pawn in the hands of a pretty much crooked deal with the world.

By 1852. the United States had been trading in the Orient for several years. President Millard Fillmore sent Perry to Japan to open diplomatic and trade relations. He was resilient in his negotiations with Japan and would not take “no” for an answer. On July 2, 1853, Perry arrived in Tokyo Bay. He threatened to bring the President’s message by force if necessary. On July 14, steam frigates Susquehanna and Mississippi moved close to the shore and landed 400 seamen and marines. Perry proceeded to the council house with special escort and pomp and presented his documents personally to Princes Iduzu and Iwami and was given receipt of delivery. Perry left after three days he left and told them he would return for an answer to the letter. Seven months later he returned to Japan with a larger and more powerful squadron. His return was faced with a totally different reception. The Japanese people were more receptive and cordial. They exchange gifts and entertainment and the treaty was negotiated, opening to ports to American commerce. After months of negotiations, the Treaty of Kanagawa was concluded on March 31, 1854. The treaty assured good treatment of shipwrecked U.S. seamen, permitted U.S. ships to fuel and supply at two Japanese ports and arranged for a U.S. diplomat to reside in Japan to further trade

The United States did not want the British controlling all of the trade in the Asian countries which in return, make the British even more powerful. So, the United States decided to spread its influence to Japan, as it was one of the few Asian countries that was not controlled by the British. Japan was weak because of its isolation and it was next to china so the U.S. would be able to participate in trade easier in the Asian region. The U.S. wanted to control Japan to gain many of its benefits, which are “The combination of it, advantageous geographic position and rumors that Japan held vast deposits of coal increased the appeal of establishing commercial and diplomatic contacts with the Japanese.” (Office of the Historian) The Japanese islands were just about everything the United States needed; the perfect geographic position, land in Asia, and a possible abundance of fuel. The U.S. was in need for more power and wanted to spread its influence to Japan in order to gain benefits. Japan was weak due to isolation and had no choice but to agree to what the United States wanted.

The United States began to reach outward for trade, showing interest in Japan. Almost forcing the country to begin to trade with the U.S.

By industrializing, Russia was able to extend its influence in eastern Asia and seizing new territories in northern China. Japan reformed after seeing China’s foreign power so they kicked out all foreigners and built its own military. In Japan, an American commodore, Matthew Perry threatened to bomb Japan in 1853, unless Japan allowed access to trade for the Americans which created military superiority of the West. Therefore, Perry won the right to have the Americans to trade which allowed two ports to open with other European countries of Britain, Holland and Russia. In Japan, they had many signs of improvement with the Western influence of new banks to fund trade and private investment capital, railways and steam vessels improved national communication and helped with trade since Japan lacked many resources.

Treaty of Kanagawa- allowed us ships to refuel at 2 ports in Japan and increase relations between the 2 countries

Even though the direct result of the Treaty of Portsmouth was that it brought an end to the Russo-Japanese war, there were many other consequences. Japan acquired the lands of Manchuria and Korea while Russia was able to keep a portion of Sakhalin Island. President Roosevelt not only won the Nobel Peace Prize for his action, but this started an international relationship between Japan and the United States. As both of their influences and beliefs spread through Asia, they both agreed to respect each other’s claimed territories and interests.

From 1639, Japan kept control on emigration of its people to Europe and to its colonies. But soon after the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry in 1853, trade of gunships started between the United States and Japan (USA.gov). This exposed Japanese to another culture, which had an impact on their life. This resulted in a great change of social life in Japan because life in America represented a model way and motivated Japanese to migrate there.