Treaty of Amity and Commerce between France and Japan

Quick Facts: Who was Treaty of Amity and Commerce between France and Japan?

Subject:

Treaty of Amity and Commerce between France and Japan

Known for:

The 1858 treaty opening diplomatic and commercial ties between France and Japan.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Treaty of Amity and Commerce between France and Japan (Japanese: 日仏修好通商条約) (1858) opened diplomatic relations and trade between the two counties. The treaty was signed in Edo on October 9, 1858, by Jean-Baptiste Louis Gros, the commander of the French expedition in China, assisted by Charles de Chassiron and Alfred de Moges, opening diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Treaty was signed following the signature of the Harris Treaty between the United States and Japan, as France, Russia, Great Britain, and Holland quickly followed the American example: Japan was forced to apply to other nations the conditions granted to the United States under the "most favoured nation" provision.

Career & Major Achievements

These 1858 treaties with the five nations are known collectively as "Ansei Treaties". The most important points of these Unequal Treaties were: exchange of diplomatic agents.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Edo, Kobe, Nagasaki, Niigata, and Yokohama’s opening to foreign trade as ports. ability of foreign citizens to live and trade at will in those ports (only opium trade was prohibited).

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1858: 1858 Milestone — The Treaty of Amity and Commerce between France and Japan (Japanese: 日仏修好通商条約) (1858) opened diplomatic relations and trade between the two counties.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Treaty of Amity and Commerce between France and Japan

True or False: “True or false: The Treaty of Amity and Commerce between France and Japan was signed voluntarily by Japan as an equal partner.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): False. The treaty was signed following the precedent set by the United States' treaty, forcing Japan to accept 'most favoured nation' conditions from other powers.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aimé Bonpland — Historical peer (Died in 1858) (1858): French explorer and botanist, renowned for his scientific travels with Alexander von Humboldt.
• Alexis Soyer — Historical peer (Died in 1858) (1858): Pioneering French chef, writer, and inventor celebrated for his work in Victorian England.
• Treaty of Amity and Commerce between Prussia and Japan (1861) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Treaty establishing diplomatic and trade relations between Prussia and Japan in 1861.
• Treaty of Amity and Commerce (Prussia–United States) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: First European treaty establishing US trade relations with Prussia (1785)
• Treaty of Amity and Commerce (United States–Japan) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Treaty opening Japanese ports to US trade and granting foreign rights.
• Treaty of Amity and Commerce (United States–Sweden) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Established formal trade and friendly relations between the US and Sweden in 1783.

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