1853 to 1868 were the years of transition for Japan. They were crowded
with events that laid the cornerstone of the modern Japanese Empire.
Two broad trends were uppermost during these years. First, there was
the coming of the Western powers with their demand for diplomatic
relations, trade and intercourse--in a word, for the end of the
seclusion policy and the opening of Japan’s door. Of course, the
Shogun, as the ruling power, had the job of dealing with the Western
nations. Too weak to resist, he had to give way. And his enemies at
home seized on this opportunity to discredit him. The second main
trend, therefore, was the sharpening of Japan’s internal conflict.
The extraordinary thing about this internal conflict in Japan was this.
The groups opposing the Shogunate were revolutionaries: they rejected
the existing system and fought for a new one. They sought progress for
Japan--and progress meant opening the country to Western influence.
Yet in their struggle with the Shoguns they were all against the
foreigner. The reason is not far to seek. Anti-foreign demonstrations
provided a handy weapon for attacking and discrediting the Shogunate.
As we shall see later on, when it had served its purpose, this weapon
was dropped.
But, meanwhile, let us look a little more closely at the two broad
trends we have mentioned. Let us see first how, by a series of steps
taken between 1853 and 1867, Japan’s door was gradually opened.