Convention of Kanagawa

On March 31, 1854, the Convention of Kanagawa (Japanese: 神奈川条約, Kanagawa Jōyaku, or 日米和親条約, Nichibei Washin Jōyaku) was used by Commodore Matthew Perry of the U.S. Navy to force the opening of the Japanese ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to American trade and ended Japan's 200 year policy of seclusion (Sakoku). It also guaranteed safety of shipwrecked American whalers and established a permanent American consul. Though he refused to deal with Japanese officials and demanded to speak with the Japanese Head of State, Perry did not realize that he had only spoken with representatives of the Tokugawa Shogun and not the Emperor. However, the Shogun was the de-facto ruler of Japan at that time. For the Emperor to interact in any way with foreigners was out of the question.

Related Topics:
March 31 - 1854 - Japanese - Matthew Perry - U.S. Navy - Japan - Shimoda - Hakodate - American - Sakoku - Tokugawa - Shogun - Emperor

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After the Treaty of Kanagawa was concluded, similar treaties were negotiated by the Russians and the British.

Related Topics:
Russians - British

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