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The Arrival of Matthew Perry
U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry arrives in Japan with four ships, carrying a letter from President Fillmore. He leaves saying he will return in a year, and Japan must agree to trade. -
The Treaty of Kanagawa
Matthew Perry returns, signing a treaty allowing the U.S. access to Japanese ports. This leads to other western powers using Japan's ports -
Tokugawa Shogun Steps Down
Japanese were angry that Shogun had given U.S. access. People turn to young emporer Mutsuhito. Shogun steps down, ending the militery dictatroship that had long ruled the country. Mutsuhito takes control and and started the Meiji era. -
Period: to
Meiji Era
The rule of Mutsuhito started, and already Europe was trying to get in to Japan. Mutsuhitofigured that the only way to protect the country from Europe was to modernize. This modernization happen in this timespan. -
Country builds First Railroad
Meiji emporer modernizes country to counter European control. -
Hands Off Agreement
Japan and China agree that neither will send armies into Korea because they want to avoid conflict. Both countries want use of Korea's ports. -
Japan Begins to Modernize
Japan now has several dozen warships and over 500,000 well-trained soldiers. -
Abolishment of Extraterritorial Rights
Due to Japans new military power, foreign powers accept the abolition of extraterritorial rights. -
Japan Attacks China
On Korea's request China sends troops into Korea and Japan, in protest, sends in troops of their own to attack the Chinese. -
Russo Japanese war
Russia and Japan go to war over Mancoria so Japan offers rights to Russia in Mancoria with the condition that the Russians don't send troops to Korea. Rsussians invade Korea, and Japan defends Korea.