Treaty of Kanagawa

Definition

The Treaty of Kanagawa, signed in 1854, was the first formal agreement between Japan and the United States, effectively ending Japan's period of isolation. This treaty opened Japanese ports to American trade and marked a significant shift in Japan’s foreign relations, leading to increased interactions with Western countries and influencing various aspects of Japanese art, particularly the portrayal of Westerners.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of Kanagawa was signed on March 31, 1854, and established diplomatic relations between Japan and the United States.
2. It allowed American ships access to two Japanese ports: Shimoda and Hakodate, which facilitated trade and cultural exchange.
3. The treaty was a result of Commodore Matthew Perry's display of naval power and his insistence on opening Japan to the West.
4. The Treaty marked the beginning of the end for Japan's Sakoku (closed country) policy, which had lasted over 200 years.
5. Following this treaty, Japan signed similar agreements with other Western powers, leading to a significant transformation in its society and art.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of Kanagawa impact Japanese art, specifically in terms of the representation of Westerners?
  • The Treaty of Kanagawa significantly influenced Japanese art by introducing new themes and subjects, especially in the genre known as Yokohama-e. These prints often depicted Westerners engaging in daily activities or interacting with Japanese people, reflecting a newfound curiosity and fascination with foreign cultures. This change was fueled by increased trade and cultural exchanges that followed the treaty, allowing artists to explore and experiment with new styles and perspectives.
• Analyze how the Treaty of Kanagawa contributed to Japan's transition from isolation to modernization during the Meiji Restoration.
  • The Treaty of Kanagawa served as a catalyst for Japan's transition from isolation to modernization by opening the country to foreign influence and trade. Following this treaty, Japan recognized the need to adopt Western technologies and ideas to compete on a global scale. The resulting Meiji Restoration initiated rapid industrialization and political reform, transforming Japan into a modern nation-state while incorporating aspects of Western culture into its own identity.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Treaty of Kanagawa on Japan's cultural identity and international relations.
  • The long-term effects of the Treaty of Kanagawa were profound, as it not only ended centuries of isolation but also set Japan on a path towards becoming an influential global power. This treaty initiated a series of unequal treaties with other Western nations, which challenged traditional Japanese values while encouraging adaptation and fusion with foreign ideas. As a result, Japan's cultural identity evolved significantly, blending traditional practices with modern influences, ultimately leading to its emergence as a formidable presence in international relations by the early 20th century.

Related terms

Meiji Restoration:

A period starting in 1868 when Japan underwent rapid modernization and industrialization, shifting from feudal rule to a more centralized government.

Yokohama-e:

A genre of Japanese woodblock prints that emerged in the late 19th century, often depicting scenes of Westerners and foreign trade in Yokohama.

Commodore Perry: A U.S. naval officer whose expedition to Japan in 1853 and subsequent negotiations led to the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa, effectively ending Japan's isolation.