Tokyo Bay, Japan. Commodore Perry’s American fleet returns as promised, with nine warships. The shoguns respond with the first treaty with a Western country. It is a momentous compromise for Japanese culture, until then completely closed to foreign influence. Japan opens two ports to American ships, accepts the American consul, and agrees to humane treatment for captured American sailors. Shortly thereafter, the British, Russians, and Dutch reach similar trade agreements. In 1858, the Americans reach a new trade agreement. The Japanese strategy is to gain time and, in the meantime, advance the adoption of Western technology and improved techniques and customs.
