Treaty of 1853

The Treaty of 1853, also known as the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, was an agreement between the United States and Japan. It marked the beginning of formal diplomatic relations between the two nations. In this treaty, Japan opened two ports to American trade, promoting economic exchange, and allowed the U.S. to establish a consulate in Japan. This was significant as it ended Japan's long-standing policy of isolation and opened the country to international influence, ultimately leading to modernization and reform in Japan. The treaty laid the groundwork for future U.S.-Japan relations.