Treaty of Kanagawa

Definition

An agreement signed in 1854 between Japan and the United States which ended Japan's policy of isolationism and opened up ports for American trade.

Analogy

Imagine if your school was a closed campus (like Japan), not allowing anyone to leave or enter during lunchtime. Then one day, a persuasive student (like Commodore Perry) convinces administration (Japan) to open up campus at lunch so students can go out for food (trade). That's what happened with Japan through this treaty!

Related terms

Isolationism: A policy or doctrine aimed at minimizing relations with other countries to focus on domestic issues.

Commodore Matthew Perry: A U.S. naval officer who played a key role in opening Japan to trade with America in 1854 through his 'gunboat diplomacy'.

Gunboat Diplomacy: The pursuit of foreign policy objectives with conspicuous displays of naval power implying or constituting a direct threat of warfare, should terms not be agreeable to the superior force.