Japan opens to the West with 1854 Treaty of Kanagawa

Japan opens to the West with 1854 Treaty of Kanagawa
Japan opens to the West with 1854 Treaty of Kanagawa

Japan opens to the West with 1854 Treaty of Kanagawa

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On March 31, 1854, the Japanese signed the Treaty of Kanagawa. The country opened two ports so that American ships could refuel. The U.S. was also allowed to have a diplomat reside in Japan. Japan was able to preserve its independence but also become a major power in the region. PHOTO: Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry is shown in this undated sketch. Perry, a U.S. naval officer, was sent on an expedition to Japan to force its government to enter into trade and diplomatic relations with the U.S. in 1853-54. Perry’s efforts resulted in the Treaty of Kanagawa.(AP Photo/New York Public Library)