-
China's "Unequal Treaties"
After the Opium War of 1839-1842, Japan was convinced that it had to be Open Up to the West -
Challenge of the West
Arrival of Matthew Perry (1843)
-Unequal Treaties
similar to the treaties signed by the Qing dynasty
-Perry's "Black Ships" steam into Tokyo Bay
-Force the Japanese to establish trade and diplomatic relations with the U.S. -
The Meiji Restoration
Japanese period beginning in 1853 when Japan went from a non-industrial feudal nation to a modern, industrial and imperial power -
Internal Problems
By early 19th century, Japanese society was in turmoil
-Declining agricultural productivity
-Periodic crop failures, famine, and starvation
-Harsh taxes on peasants
-Samurai and daimyo are in debt to merchants
-West arrives demanding trade with Japan