Background and Frictions with Foreign Powers
– Bakumatsu refers to the period of political and social turmoil in Japan during the late Edo period.
– Many factions attempted to seize power during this chaotic time.
– The tozama daimyō resented their exclusion from powerful positions within the shogunate.
– Anti-Western sentiment grew following the arrival of Matthew C. Perry.
– Foreign ships, particularly Western ones, were increasing their presence around Japan.
– Western ships engaged in whaling activities and sought trade with China.
– The incident in Nagasaki Harbour in 1808 shocked the Tokugawa government, leading to tighter port security.
– The shogunate issued an edict in 1825 to expel foreigners at all costs, prohibiting contact with foreigners until 1842.
– Some domains in Japan studied Western sciences and obtained weapons through trade with the Dutch.
Perry Expedition and Japan’s Response
– Commodore Matthew C. Perry’s arrival in Edo Bay threw the shogunate into turmoil.
– Perry threatened to open fire if the Japanese refused to negotiate.
– Perry demonstrated the power of his ships by attacking buildings around the harbor.
– Perry’s ships were equipped with new Paixhans shell guns capable of destroying buildings.
– The shogunate was forced to respond to the increasing incursions of foreign warships.
– The Satsuma Domain constructed modern sailing frigates to counter foreign incursions.
– Fortifications were established at Odaiba in Tokyo Bay to protect Edo.
– Industrial developments were initiated to build modern cannons.
Treaties and Negotiations
– Abe Masahiro dealt with the Americans upon their return.
– Abe compromised by accepting Perry’s demands for opening Japan to foreign trade while making military preparations.
– The Treaty of Peace and Amity (Treaty of Kanagawa) was signed in March 1854, opening the ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to American whaling ships.
– The treaty also guaranteed good treatment to shipwrecked American sailors and allowed a United States consul to reside in Shimoda.
– In February 1855, the Russians followed suit with the Treaty of Shimoda.
– Treaty of Amity and Commerce negotiated by Townsend Harris in 1858.
– Edo, Kobe, Nagasaki, Niigata, and Yokohama opened to foreign trade as ports.
– United States citizens allowed to live and trade in those ports.
– System of extraterritoriality established for foreign residents.
– Initial efforts to revise the imposed treaties through embassies to the United States and Europe.
Impact of Foreign Presence and Rebellions
– Massive economic instability and bankruptcy due to uncontrolled foreign trade.
– Rise in unemployment and inflation.
– Major famines and increased food prices.
– Outflow of gold from Japan due to foreign purchases.
– Cholera brought to Japan by foreigners, leading to many deaths.
– Shimonoseki Strait Incident and the Bombardment of Kagoshima as a response to foreign aggression.
– Allied Intervention and Suppression of Rebellions against Japanese violence.
– Mito Rebellion and the Hyōgo Naval Expedition and Second Chōshū Expedition.
Modernization and Boshin War
– Bakufu’s measures to assert dominance during the bakumatsu period, including sending naval students to study in Western naval schools and building naval arsenals.
– French Military Mission established to modernize Bakufu’s armies.
– Boshin War between anti-shogunal forces and Tokugawa forces.
– International relations established with France, Britain, and Germany.
– Gaikoku bugyō appointed to handle foreign affairs. Source URL:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakumatsu
