1854 Convention of Kanagawa

The 1854 Convention of Kanagawa was an agreement between Japan and the United States that ended Japan’s long period of isolation. It forced Japan to open its ports to American ships for supplies, repairs, and trade, ending Japan’s policy of restricting foreign contact. This treaty also established diplomatic relations and granted limited rights to American citizens in Japan. It marked the beginning of Japan’s modernization and increased interaction with the world, influencing the country’s future foreign policies and leading to broader international trade.