America's Viewpoint of the Japanese
INITIAL REACTIONS
The United States is widely recognized as a melting pot. America established itself as a “super power” because of its successful negations with other nations. More specifically, the United States commended itself to the opening of Japan in 1853 with Commodore Perry’s expedition to Japan. Japan’s ambiguousness sparked American interest. The East was unfamiliar territory to the West. In 1860, the Japanese sailed to the United States for the ratification of the treaty. Upon their arrival, they were greeted with extravagant performances and entertainments. American reporters seized the opportunity to capture every gaze of the Japanese. As David Scott noted in Diplomats and Poets: “Power and Perceptions” in American Encounters with Japan, 1860, Japan’s Iwakura Mission (1871) describes, “journalists often have greater influence than politicians” (303). American curiosity fueled reporters’ persistence. Innovations aided as a method of familiarization. They exhausted the use of photography to provide the public with a concrete, observable description of their novel guests. Vanity Fair depicted the Japanese as “pretty pretties” (305). Americans associated Japanese’s exoticism and elegancy with love and romance. The Great Japanese Embassy expresses, “this copper race, with cues and curls, astonished Buck and Yankee girls” (306). Everyone was astonished by the Japanese’s unparalleled elegance.
INTEREST
The United States anticipated the commencement of a new relationship with Japan. Japan embodied a civilization distinct from any other. Attraction emanated because Japan was “virtually unknown” (301). The Living Age (1852) reveals how “even educated persons know little or nothing about Japan…” (312). The United States feared their ignorance and tackled the saying “know your enemy.” Through the access of Japanese ports, the United States acquainted itself with a “terra incognita.” Partial interest arose from innate curiosity. Japan’s eccentricity captivated attention worldwide. Everyone wanted to uncover the mysteries of Japan. David Scott affirms, “Perry’s opening up of Japan in 1853-1854 was then greeted in America with interest because of Japan’s previous remoteness and consequent air of mystery…” (312). The United States lacked direct communication with Japan, which impeded their knowledge.
Additionally, the United States sought the opportunity to expand. They projected themselves as a “future commercial and naval power” (314). They desired a new cross-Pacific extension to boast economic opportunities. Previously, America focused its attention to Indian trade; however, the United States’ economic consciousness began to augment. The Treaty of Amity and Commerce initiated “trade with this long secluded people, on which our farseeing Yankee race are beginning to found such brilliant hopes” (314). The United States aimed to introduce their iron and steel industry to a new market. They conducted this as “the highest national and commercial importance” (314). They perceived this socioeconomic relation as being beneficial for both parties. In 1856, Harpers Monthly Magazine recognized Perry’s opening up of Japan as “the change in the geographical position of the United States in relation to the East” (315). The United States established its national supremacy. Japan’s adventitiousness and potential as a prosperous consumer intrigued many nations.
AMERICAN VIEWPOINT AFTER THE OPENING OF JAPAN
The United States’ eagerness of this new alliance did not inhibit long-term concerns. They maintained a lurking uncertainty. Americans displayed an elevated sense of pride when Japan decided to negotiate with them after shunning from other nations. Americans felt honored that Japan selected to welcome commutations with them. The semi-official National Intelligencer expresses, “…something flattering to our national pride in the fact that this country should be the first to receive the distinction of an embassy from this ancient and almost unknown people” (313). Japan’s isolationism created a higher demand in business. They acknowledged Japan’s potential for affluence. The United States credits itself for the expected opening of Japan to the outside world; however, it is essential to remark that Japan was previously in contact with other nations, exclusively the Dutch. Scott explains, “The United States had taken a leading role in Japan, wrenching it open to the outside world with the Perry expedition” (313). America perceived Japan as a “Yankee province.” Perry’s voyage marked the commencement of Japan in the West. America introduced Japan to modernity. They recognized the benefits Japan could provide and aimed to preserve a satisfactory relationship. Townsend Harris successfully situated the United States in a leading stance with the Japanese.
Japan began to shift from a docile nation into an active, competitive force. Japan received universal attention and began signing treaties with other Western powers. Other nations also took actions towards inaugurating new relations with Japan, primarily deriving from curiosity and envy. As Scott asserted in his Journal, Vanity Fair comments on “British jealousy… Upon Japan’s far hills have we unfurled our [American] starry banner” (313). Jealousy was sensed on a national level. However, the United States’ attitude altered as Japan desired to expand. Despite America’s increased profit through export opportunities, they mistrusted Japan’s efforts towards expansion. Americans feared this could constrain their cross-Pacific commerce. They were “cautious over the long-term trade.” As Japan implemented Western ideals, the United States noticed the possible disadvantages. The United States became more guarded with Japan and viewed them as a threat. Japan’s facile acceptance of other nations brought disappointment to Americans. Japan was becoming the new metropolis with its vast advancements. Scott asserts:
This readiness by Japan to adopt Western technology in the short term boosted European and American trade exports, but in the long term, it made Japan an increasingly effectly and acknowled economic competitor with Europe and then America in the wider markets by the end of the century (317).
Japan’s expansion intimidated the United States. They feared the Japanese would adopt refiner methods. Americans did not want the Japanese to surpass them. Furthermore, the Japanese were distinguished as a military threat. The Japanese took back models of American guns. There was an increase concern amongst the United States. The New York Times recognizes this as an irresponsible mistake. Initially, the United States anticipated the opening up Japan. Their position quickly deviated to fear and intimidation.
Scott, David. "Diplomats and Poets:" Power and Perceptions" in American Encounters with Japan, 1860." Journal of World History 17.3 (2006): 297-337.
The United States is widely recognized as a melting pot. America established itself as a “super power” because of its successful negations with other nations. More specifically, the United States commended itself to the opening of Japan in 1853 with Commodore Perry’s expedition to Japan. Japan’s ambiguousness sparked American interest. The East was unfamiliar territory to the West. In 1860, the Japanese sailed to the United States for the ratification of the treaty. Upon their arrival, they were greeted with extravagant performances and entertainments. American reporters seized the opportunity to capture every gaze of the Japanese. As David Scott noted in Diplomats and Poets: “Power and Perceptions” in American Encounters with Japan, 1860, Japan’s Iwakura Mission (1871) describes, “journalists often have greater influence than politicians” (303). American curiosity fueled reporters’ persistence. Innovations aided as a method of familiarization. They exhausted the use of photography to provide the public with a concrete, observable description of their novel guests. Vanity Fair depicted the Japanese as “pretty pretties” (305). Americans associated Japanese’s exoticism and elegancy with love and romance. The Great Japanese Embassy expresses, “this copper race, with cues and curls, astonished Buck and Yankee girls” (306). Everyone was astonished by the Japanese’s unparalleled elegance.
INTEREST
The United States anticipated the commencement of a new relationship with Japan. Japan embodied a civilization distinct from any other. Attraction emanated because Japan was “virtually unknown” (301). The Living Age (1852) reveals how “even educated persons know little or nothing about Japan…” (312). The United States feared their ignorance and tackled the saying “know your enemy.” Through the access of Japanese ports, the United States acquainted itself with a “terra incognita.” Partial interest arose from innate curiosity. Japan’s eccentricity captivated attention worldwide. Everyone wanted to uncover the mysteries of Japan. David Scott affirms, “Perry’s opening up of Japan in 1853-1854 was then greeted in America with interest because of Japan’s previous remoteness and consequent air of mystery…” (312). The United States lacked direct communication with Japan, which impeded their knowledge.
Additionally, the United States sought the opportunity to expand. They projected themselves as a “future commercial and naval power” (314). They desired a new cross-Pacific extension to boast economic opportunities. Previously, America focused its attention to Indian trade; however, the United States’ economic consciousness began to augment. The Treaty of Amity and Commerce initiated “trade with this long secluded people, on which our farseeing Yankee race are beginning to found such brilliant hopes” (314). The United States aimed to introduce their iron and steel industry to a new market. They conducted this as “the highest national and commercial importance” (314). They perceived this socioeconomic relation as being beneficial for both parties. In 1856, Harpers Monthly Magazine recognized Perry’s opening up of Japan as “the change in the geographical position of the United States in relation to the East” (315). The United States established its national supremacy. Japan’s adventitiousness and potential as a prosperous consumer intrigued many nations.
AMERICAN VIEWPOINT AFTER THE OPENING OF JAPAN
The United States’ eagerness of this new alliance did not inhibit long-term concerns. They maintained a lurking uncertainty. Americans displayed an elevated sense of pride when Japan decided to negotiate with them after shunning from other nations. Americans felt honored that Japan selected to welcome commutations with them. The semi-official National Intelligencer expresses, “…something flattering to our national pride in the fact that this country should be the first to receive the distinction of an embassy from this ancient and almost unknown people” (313). Japan’s isolationism created a higher demand in business. They acknowledged Japan’s potential for affluence. The United States credits itself for the expected opening of Japan to the outside world; however, it is essential to remark that Japan was previously in contact with other nations, exclusively the Dutch. Scott explains, “The United States had taken a leading role in Japan, wrenching it open to the outside world with the Perry expedition” (313). America perceived Japan as a “Yankee province.” Perry’s voyage marked the commencement of Japan in the West. America introduced Japan to modernity. They recognized the benefits Japan could provide and aimed to preserve a satisfactory relationship. Townsend Harris successfully situated the United States in a leading stance with the Japanese.
Japan began to shift from a docile nation into an active, competitive force. Japan received universal attention and began signing treaties with other Western powers. Other nations also took actions towards inaugurating new relations with Japan, primarily deriving from curiosity and envy. As Scott asserted in his Journal, Vanity Fair comments on “British jealousy… Upon Japan’s far hills have we unfurled our [American] starry banner” (313). Jealousy was sensed on a national level. However, the United States’ attitude altered as Japan desired to expand. Despite America’s increased profit through export opportunities, they mistrusted Japan’s efforts towards expansion. Americans feared this could constrain their cross-Pacific commerce. They were “cautious over the long-term trade.” As Japan implemented Western ideals, the United States noticed the possible disadvantages. The United States became more guarded with Japan and viewed them as a threat. Japan’s facile acceptance of other nations brought disappointment to Americans. Japan was becoming the new metropolis with its vast advancements. Scott asserts:
This readiness by Japan to adopt Western technology in the short term boosted European and American trade exports, but in the long term, it made Japan an increasingly effectly and acknowled economic competitor with Europe and then America in the wider markets by the end of the century (317).
Japan’s expansion intimidated the United States. They feared the Japanese would adopt refiner methods. Americans did not want the Japanese to surpass them. Furthermore, the Japanese were distinguished as a military threat. The Japanese took back models of American guns. There was an increase concern amongst the United States. The New York Times recognizes this as an irresponsible mistake. Initially, the United States anticipated the opening up Japan. Their position quickly deviated to fear and intimidation.
Scott, David. "Diplomats and Poets:" Power and Perceptions" in American Encounters with Japan, 1860." Journal of World History 17.3 (2006): 297-337.