1. New Entry: Treaty of Kanagawa
2. Consider: Why would Japan choose to
follow the model of Western powers?
EQ: What did Japan give up to become
“Western”?
By the end of class our objectives are:
-to understand why Japan signed the
Treaty of Kanagawa
-to evaluate the actions taken by Japan in
an effort to become a “Western Power”
It seems to be wise, from time to time, to make new
laws…if your imperial majesty were so far to change
the ancient laws as to allow a free trade between the
two countries it would be extremely beneficial to
both…Our steamships, in crossing the great ocean,
burn a great deal of coal, and it is not convenient to
bring it all the way from America. We
wish that our steamships and other
vessels should be allowed to stop in
Japan and supply themselves with
coal, provisions, and water. They
will pay for them in money, or
anything else your imperial majesty's
subjects may prefer.
-President Millard Fillmore
Treaty of
Kanagawa
1854
• Japan opened
two ports to
U.S.A.
• Opened door to
other Western
powers.
Meiji Era
Emperor Mutsuhito
• Appealed to
Japan’s pride
and nationalism
• New government
established
• Meiji –
enlightened rule
• Westernize and
modernize
Article III
• What is the purpose of including this in the Treaty of Kanagawa?
• Who does this article protect?
• What do you think happened before the treaty?
• Which country, Japan or the United States, has the advantage with this
article?
Article VIII
• Why is there a specific mention of wood, water provisions, and coal?
• What do you think "goods required" refer to?
• Which country, Japan or the United States, has the advantage with this
article?
Article IX
• What is this article actually saying? Summarize in your own words.
• Which country, Japan or the United States has an advantage in this article?
Questions for thought
• Do you think the Treaty favors any one country?
• What do the raw materials illustrate about society in the 19th century?
• How is this treaty advantageous for both the United States and Japan?