Accepted by the Tokugawa shogunate in March 1854
It opened Japan`s ports to U.S trade
It led to the rapid recognition of Japan as a regional and international power
Slide 4
"REPELLING THE BARBARIANS
U.S followed up other treaties further opening up Japan to U.S trade (1854)
1858: Treaty of of Amity and commerce with the U.S
Imperial court, dominated by nationalists opossed to this idea.
Japan was pressured into signing treaties with other Western nations
Treaties were all signed without emperor`s consent
"Shihi" = men high purpose. Tey were ready to kill or die for the cause
Slide 6
"EASTERN MORALS & WESTERN SCIENCE"
Yoshida Shoin - member of the Choshu clan. didn´t support the idea.
He wanted to go back to the feudal system and performed a series of anti-government activities
This led to his execution in 1859.
Leaders were initially able to persuade the emperor to adot an anti-Western policy.
Western vessels wre fired and Western powers retaliated.
This led to fighting in the 1860´s.
Satsuma clan decided to support Choshu against the government. (1866)
Threat of a civil war persuaded Meiji in 1867.