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Japan opens up to the West, 1853 to 67
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For over two centuries Japan had kept foreigners out. In 1853 American warships arrived and forced it to open up.
Tokugawa Japan
Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa shogun (military ruler); the emperor had little real power.
Contact with foreigners was strictly limited for over two hundred years.
Contact with foreigners was strictly limited for over two hundred years.
The Perry Mission
In 1853 US Commodore Matthew Perry arrived with warships ('black ships') and demanded trade.
In 1854 Japan agreed to open ports. Later unequal treaties gave Western powers trading rights and legal privileges.
Many Japanese felt humiliated and blamed the shogun.
In 1854 Japan agreed to open ports. Later unequal treaties gave Western powers trading rights and legal privileges.
Many Japanese felt humiliated and blamed the shogun.
Opposition
The powerful domains of Choshu and Satsuma led opposition to the shogun.
At first they tried to expel foreigners, but defeats by Western ships showed them Japan must modernise.
By 1867 the shogunate was collapsing.
At first they tried to expel foreigners, but defeats by Western ships showed them Japan must modernise.
By 1867 the shogunate was collapsing.
Why did the Perry Mission weaken the shogun?
- The shogun could not resist American warships.
- He signed treaties that many Japanese saw as humiliating.
- Opponents such as Choshu and Satsuma used this to challenge his rule.
Answer: His failure to resist foreigners made him look weak, encouraging opponents.
The Tokugawa shogun ruled a closed Japan. Commodore Perry's warships (1853) forced Japan open; unequal treaties followed. Choshu and Satsuma led opposition and realised Japan must modernise. The shogunate collapsed by 1867.
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