Question

How did the Treaty of Kanagawa influence Japan's decision to westernize?

A) It had no impact on Japan's decision to westernize.
B) It led to Japan's isolation from the Western world.
C) It compelled Japan to open its ports to Western trade and ideas.
D) It led to Japan becoming a British colony.

Answer 1

The Treaty of Kanagawa influenced Japan to westernize by compelling it to open its ports to Western trade and ideas, which led to the end of Japan's isolation and prompted the Meiji Restoration's rapid modernization and industrialization efforts.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Treaty of Kanagawa played a significant role in influencing Japan's decision to westernize. Option C) It compelled Japan to open its ports to Western trade and ideas, is the correct answer. The arrival of U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry and the subsequent signing of the treaty in 1854 led to the end of Japan's long period of isolation.

Realizing the power imbalance, Japanese leaders decided to send scholars abroad to learn Western technologies and invited Western advisors to Japan. This bold strategy led to the transformation of Japan into an industrial power and laid the groundwork for Japan to eventually seek its own path of imperialism to establish a regional empire, similar to Western powers.