Japan signs the unequal treaties
1858 · Event
The Harris Treaty with the United States — swiftly copied by Britain, France, Russia and the Netherlands — opens Japanese ports and grants foreigners immunity from Japanese law. Signed without the emperor's consent, it splits the country and hands the shogunate's enemies their cause: revere the emperor, expel the barbarians.
On these timelines: The Meiji Restoration, Japan, Master, USA
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Around 1858
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