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On July 12, 1853, Perry sailed into Uraga Harbor with 2 steamships, 2 sailing
vessels, 977 men, and 66 guns, which were larger than any the Japanese had
seen before.
In 1854, Perry returned with 8 black ships and even more troops. This time,
Perry and the shogunate signed the Treaty of Kanagawa.
In 1858, another commercial treaty with the U.S was signed giving them more
trading rights. Japan also signed similar treaties with England, France, the
Dutch, and Russia.
Many Japanese were unhappy with these unequal treaties, which were
forced on them. They had lost control over their trade.
3. No Motto
Ideas:
1. Japan is the divine land;
the Japanese are superior
to westerners
2. Adopt western technology,
particularly military
equipment, but keep
Japanese values and morals
3. Oversea trade is necessary
to increase the wealth of
Japan; change is enevitable
Solution:
1. War against Westerners;
Continued isolation
Many people saw the treaties as proof that the shogun was
weak. The cracks in the foundation of Japanese society had
turned into major fault lines. It was as if Japan were
experiencing an earthquake or tidal wave within their
society.