Part Two: The arrival of the black ships 1853-54 East meets West: Japan Part Two: The arrival of the black ships 1853-54

Threats to the system Russia, Britain, France apply pressure for trade treaties Financial strain on Samurai and Daimyo Ronin Conflict between Daimyo and Shogun Identify the threats above that are internal to Japan and those that are external

Cracks in the class system Samurai had status but lacked a clear role Merchants were becoming increasingly wealthy but had little status and power But the classes were now mixing Rich merchants could buy into lower ranks of samurai

Can they stay cut off from the world? Seclusion or Sakoku helped social stability But is it realistic? Write 3 disadvantages in bullet point form

Commodore Mathew Perry Arrived in Edo 1853 – told to go to Nagasaki He refused – threatened Edo with bombardment Presented letter from the US President Fillmore demanding a trade treaty Returned in 1854 with double the fleet – gunboat diplomacy

What Did the U. S. Want?? Coaling stations. More trading partners. A haven for ship-wrecked sailors.

Perry’s “Black Ships”

1853-54 – Commodore Matthew Perry “Opens Up” Japan to Western Trade!

An Unequal Treaty? Convention of Kanagawa 1854 – diplomatic relations Five years later – treaties with most European nations Some Samurai deeply resented (hated) these “unequal” (unfair) treaties forced on Japan

The Treaty of Kanagawa - 1854

What are some reasons? “Why do you think the Shogun agreed to sign the Kanagawa Treaty in 1854?”