The 1854 treaty opened only 2 ports: Shimoda and Hakodate. Shimoda is at the end of a rocky peninsula on the east side of Shizuoka- comfortably removed from Edo, then the Tokugawa stronghold. read more
The Japanese opened their ports to American ships in 1854 because when Commodore Matthew Perry came to Japan in 1853, he brought a letter from the Prime Minister requesting trade, protection for the shipwrecked, and the right to buy coal for passing ships. read more
Japan had chosen to isolate itself from the rest of the world for more than 2 centuries, but the recent Opium Wars between England and China were well known. Perry had threatened to bring more ships than America actually owned in 3 days (less time than it took from Perry's temporary HQ) if Japan refused to treat. read more
Many leaders wanted the foreigners expelled from the country, but in 1854 a treaty was signed between the United States and Japan which allowed trade at two ports. In 1858 another treaty was signed which opened more ports and designated cities in which foreigners could reside. read more