Japan´s Modernization/End of Its Seclusion

Japan´s End of Its Seclusion, Modernization

Japan (binary/octet-stream)

Background

  *Japan continued living in feudalism owing to the fact that they established a seclusion policy meaning that they were exempt and did not wanteed to be part of any international affair or trade. *The real power in Japan rested with the largest of Japan´s feudal landowning clans. The emperor represented the power, yet he was more of a religious leader, a councelor. The people who had more influence in decisions were the shoguns, the head of the dominant samurai clan at the time .

Background

*From 1600-1867 the dominant clan that ruled the entire lapse was the Tokugawa clan , they used the their domination to try to achieve national unity and establish their seclusion policy. *The end of Japan´s seclsuion came along with the last shogunate from the Tokugawa clan, the las t Shogun was Tokugawa Yoshinobu "Keiki". His controversial actions to try to modernise and strengthen Japan along with his failure with maintain seclusion. This led to the rise of opposition from Satsuma, Choshu and Tosa clans.  

Tokugawa (binary/octet-stream)

Samurai Clans

End of Seclusion

USA was one of the many countries that tried to establish relations with Japan, as Britain, however the US tried harder, first in 1837 and then in 1846. Both were unsuccesful. It was until 1853 when commodore Perry from the US arrived to Japanese coasts with four warships. The americans may say request, but it was a demand to Japan to accept varios comercial agreements with USA or instead they will return the following year with a larger fleet to hear the response.  

End of Seclusion

*Japan was divided when this happened as the emperor´s court, some political leaders and other samurai clans such as the Satsuma, Choshu and Tosu. On the other hand the Tokugawa who were the dominant clan were aware of China´s humillation in Opium war so Yoshinubu and the rest of the clan finally agreed to the Treaty of Kanagawa in March 1854. This treaty opened up to of Japan´s ports to US trade, and also granted the US the position of the most "favoured nation" *This was a huge turning point in Japan´s history as the 200 year seclusion policy had ended. This would later lead to the rapid emergence of Japan as an important regional and even international power.

Kanagawa (binary/octet-stream)

Treaty of Kanagawa

Outcomes

*US followed up the 1854 treaty with other treaties further opening up Japan to US trade. *Four years later in 1858, Japan´s government signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the USA.  *Following this treaty similar treaties were son signed with Britain, France and Russia and these became known as "unequal treaties" as they granted extra-territorial rights to citizens of these foreign countries. *The decision of Yoshinobu to accept this led to the opposition of local clans (Satsuma, Choshu and Tosa) concluding in Yoshinubu´s resign. But conflicts between these clans led to the Boshin War .