Convention of Kanagawa

The Convention of Kanagawa, signed in 1854 between the United States and Japan, marked a significant turning point in Japanese history. It opened Japan’s ports to American ships for supplies and established diplomatic relations, ending Japan’s centuries of isolation under the sakoku policy. This treaty also granted America extraterritorial rights and favored trading privileges, signaling Japan's first step towards modernization and engagement with Western powers. It was motivated by the desire to access Asian markets and safeguard American ships arriving in Asia. The convention set the stage for subsequent treaties and profound changes in Japan’s political and social structure.