Isabella Carter
Gunboat diplomacy is a form of hegemony that involves the use of conspicuous displays of naval power to pursue foreign policy objectives. It is distinct from defence diplomacy, which is understood to be the peaceful application of defence resources to achieve positive outcomes in the development of bilateral and multilateral relationships. In the case of Japan, gunboat diplomacy was employed by Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry, under orders from President Millard Fillmore, to end Japan's 220-year-old policy of isolation and open its ports to American trade. This marked the beginning of Japan's modernisation and rise to power in the Pacific, as well as the establishment of diplomatic relations with Western powers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | The pursuit of foreign policy objectives with the aid of conspicuous displays of naval power, implying or constituting a direct threat of warfare should terms not be agreeable to the superior force |
| Period | Nineteenth-century period of imperialism |
| Entities Involved | Western powers (Europe and the United States) and less powerful entities |
| Purpose | To intimidate other countries into granting concessions through a demonstration of superior military capabilities |
| Methods | Appearance of warships or fleet of ships off the coast of the target country |
| Other Methods | Military mobilisation, massing of troops near international borders, and military manoeuvres |
| Examples | The Don Pacifico affair in 1850, the Perry Expedition to Japan in 1853, and the U.S. Army's occupation of Veracruz in 1914 |
| Outcomes | Establishment of new trade relationships, colonial outposts, and expansion of empires |
| Distinction from Defence Diplomacy | Gunboat diplomacy involves the use of military operations and is considered a form of hegemony |
Explore related products
$24.99 $25.99
$12
What You'll Learn
Commodore Perry's 1853 expedition to Japan
Gunboat diplomacy refers to the pursuit of foreign policy objectives with the aid of conspicuous displays of naval power. This involves implying or constituting a direct threat of warfare if the other party does not agree to the superior force's terms. The term "gunboat diplomacy" originates from the nineteenth-century period of imperialism, when Western powers, including Europe and the United States, intimidated less powerful entities into granting concessions by demonstrating their superior military capabilities, often using naval assets.
Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry's 1853 expedition to Japan is a notable example of gunboat diplomacy. Ordered by President Millard Fillmore, Perry's expedition aimed to end Japan's 220-year-old isolationist policy and open its ports to American trade, even if it meant using gunboat diplomacy. Perry, an experienced naval officer and diplomat, carefully studied Japan's previous encounters with Western ships and its hierarchical culture. He first sailed to the Ryukyus and Bonin Islands, claiming territory for the United States and demanding assistance from the locals.
On July 8, 1853, Perry arrived at Uraga, at the entrance to Edo Bay in Japan. Aware that his actions were being reported to the Japanese authorities in Edo, Perry avoided meeting with low-ranked officials and utilised military ceremonies and shipboard hospitality to showcase American military might and peaceful intentions. He ordered his ships to steam past Japanese lines towards Edo, turning their guns towards Uraga. Perry's actions caused internal debate in Japan, with officials discussing how to address the potential threat to their economic and political sovereignty.
On July 11, Rōjū Abe Masahiro decided that accepting a letter from the Americans would not violate Japanese sovereignty. Perry was instructed to move his fleet to the beach at Kurihama, where he was permitted to land on July 14. This encounter culminated in the signing of the Convention of Kanagawa, with Perry bringing diplomatic gifts, including art, pottery, and textiles, back to the United States. Perry's expedition established diplomatic ties between Japan and Western powers and ultimately led to the collapse of the Tokugawa shogunate and the restoration of the Emperor. It also sparked a cultural trend called "Japonisme," influencing art in Europe and America.
Open vs. Secret Diplomacy: Understanding the Differences
You may want to see also
The end of Japan's 220-year isolation
Japan's 220-year isolation, known as Sakoku, began in the early 17th century during the Edo period (1603-1867/8) under the Tokugawa shogunate. The policy was enacted by the shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu through a series of edicts and directives from 1633 to 1639, with the goal of severing all relations with the outside world. This period of isolation was driven by the shogunate's desire to maintain stability and prevent foreign influence, particularly the spread of Christianity, which had been introduced by European traders and missionaries.
During Sakoku, almost all foreign nationals were banned from entering Japan, and common Japanese people were prohibited from leaving the country. Trade and diplomatic relations were restricted to a few select countries, primarily the Dutch and the Chinese. Even then, these interactions were limited to the island of Dejima, a small artificial island off the coast of Nagasaki, where foreign traders were confined. Despite these restrictions, Japan was not completely isolated, and limited trade and cultural exchange continued with the Western world through Dejima.
The end of Japan's isolation came about in the mid-19th century due to increasing pressure from Western powers. The United States, in particular, became interested in Japan as a trading partner and as a docking point for ships en route to China. In 1846, a mission led by Commodore James Biddle failed to establish relations. However, in 1853, Commodore Matthew C. Perry returned with four warships and presented a list of demands, including the opening of Japanese ports to US ships. When Perry returned the following year with an even larger military force, the Shogun signed the "Treaty of Peace and Amity," establishing formal diplomatic relations and opening two Japanese trade ports.
Within a few years, Japan signed similar treaties with other Western countries, including the United Kingdom and Russia. These treaties marked the end of the Sakoku policy and the beginning of Japan's re-engagement with the outside world. The country sent students to study abroad and employed foreign experts, leading to a period of rapid modernisation and cultural exchange.
While Sakoku aimed to protect Japan from foreign influence, it also had significant costs, including a lack of freedom and a negative impact on human lives. Nonetheless, the period of isolation played a crucial role in shaping Japan's unique culture, with many traditions, art forms, and social practices emerging or evolving during this time.
Wolf Warrior Diplomacy: China's Aggressive Foreign Policy Strategy
You may want to see also
The Treaty of Kanagawa
The treaty was the result of an encounter between an American mission to open Japan and Japan's policy of forbidding commerce with foreign nations. Both nations regarded each other as "barbarians" but found a way to reach an agreement. The Fillmore administration sent Commodore Matthew C. Perry with a fleet of warships to insist on a treaty that would protect American whalers, provide for coaling ports, and eventually lead to trade.
Perry returned in February 1854 with eight or nine warships and refused to leave until a treaty was signed. The Japanese were aware that their armaments were no match for Perry's warships and agreed to a treaty. This included a promise of "perfect, permanent, and universal peace" between the two countries, the opening of two ports to shipwrecked US sailors and ships in need of supplies, and Japan's consent to an American consul in Japan. Perry achieved two of his three central objectives: improving America's access to strategic energy resources and protecting American whalers.
Political Committee Campaign Donations: How Much is Allowed?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$21.99 $32.95
Japan's modernisation and rise to power
Gunboat diplomacy is a tactic used by Western powers to intimidate less powerful nations into granting concessions. This strategy involves the conspicuous display of naval power, implying a direct threat of warfare if negotiations fail. A notable example of gunboat diplomacy is the Perry Expedition, which ended Japan's 220-year-old policy of isolation.
The Iwakura Mission, led by Tomomi Iwakura in 1871, played a pivotal role in Japan's modernisation. The mission included top government officials and scholars who travelled to the US and Europe, studying various aspects of Western societies, including politics, industry, and commerce. They recognised the importance of industrial might in the military power of Western nations.
Japan's modernisation efforts were driven by a strong desire for freedom and the need to secure natural resources. The country successfully organised an industrial, capitalist state based on Western models, but when it began to emulate European imperialism, it faced a negative reaction from the West. Japan's late entry into the Western-dominated world order posed a challenge in its quest for recognition and equality with Western nations.
During the Meiji period, Japan rapidly developed its education system, introducing elementary and secondary schools across the country. The country's modernisation and industrialisation led to significant economic growth and a cultural trend of Japonisme, influencing art in Europe and America. Japan's growing trade routes and military influence on its government paved the way for its rise as a regional power, culminating in the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941.
Political Campaign Monetization: Who's Left Out of the Money Game?
You may want to see also
Gunboat diplomacy's use of naval power
Gunboat diplomacy is a strategy that involves the use of naval power and the threat of force to achieve foreign policy objectives. It was commonly employed by Western powers during the imperialist period of the 19th century to coerce less powerful nations into granting concessions. This strategy relied on the conspicuous display of naval power, often by positioning warships or fleets off the coast of the target country, to exert pressure and demonstrate superior military capabilities.
The Perry Expedition to Japan in 1853 is a notable example of gunboat diplomacy. Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry, under orders from President Millard Fillmore, led a heavily armed fleet of nine ships, including three steam frigates, 1,500 men, and dozens of cannons, into Japanese waters. This show of force successfully ended Japan's 220-year-old policy of isolation and compelled the opening of Japanese ports to American trade. The expedition resulted in the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Western powers, ultimately leading to the collapse of the Tokugawa shogunate and the restoration of the Emperor.
Gunboat diplomacy can be contrasted with defence diplomacy, which seeks to achieve positive outcomes through peaceful means, and military diplomacy, which refers specifically to the activities of military attachés. Gunboat diplomacy is considered a form of hegemony, where superior military power is used to exert influence and gain economic advantages. It was particularly effective in the 19th century when naval power was a defining factor in international relations.
The use of naval power in gunboat diplomacy can serve multiple purposes. It can be employed for definitive force to create or remove a fait accompli, purposeful force to change the policies or character of a target government, catalytic force to buy time or expand policy options, or expressive force to send a political message. The mere presence of a warship or fleet was often sufficient to achieve the desired outcome, and it was rarely necessary to resort to demonstrations of firepower or direct military conflict.
While gunboat diplomacy may have worked in the case of Japan, it is important to note that it was not universally successful. For instance, the United States attempted a similar approach in Korea but failed to achieve their objectives until Japan forced Korea open a few years later.
Volunteers in Political Campaigns: Are They Paid?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Gunboat diplomacy is the pursuit of foreign policy objectives with the aid of conspicuous displays of naval power, implying or constituting a direct threat of warfare should terms not be agreeable to the superior force.
The term "gunboat diplomacy" comes from the nineteenth-century period of imperialism when Western powers would intimidate less powerful entities into granting concessions through a demonstration of superior military capabilities, usually represented by their naval assets.
In 1853, Commodore Matthew C. Perry sailed into Japanese waters with nine ships, including three steam frigates, 1,500 men, and dozens of cannons. This display of military and technological prowess was an attempt to force an end to Japan's 220-year-old policy of isolation and to open Japanese ports to American trade.
Yes, the Perry Expedition succeeded without firing a single hostile shot. On March 31, 1854, Perry and the Japanese signed the Treaty of Kanagawa, opening diplomatic relations and full commercial ties between Japan and the United States and other Western nations.
Japan's opening to the West enabled it to modernize its military and access modern technological developments. Japan quickly rose to the position of the most formidable Asian power in the Pacific.
