What was a primary motivation for U.S. engagement with Japan in the late 19th century?

In the late 19th century, a primary motivation for U.S. engagement with Japan was the desire to access Japanese markets for trade. The United States, recognizing the potential for economic growth and expansion, aimed to open up Japan to American goods and commerce. This period marked a significant transition as Japan was emerging from centuries of isolation and was beginning to modernize. The Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, which established trade relations between the U.S. and Japan, was a key event in this engagement, allowing American ships to access Japanese ports and establishing the foundation for further commercial relations.

The desire for increased trade with Japan was crucial as it aligned with broader U.S. interests in expanding markets for American products, especially in the context of industrialization and growing production capacity. Engaging with Japan allowed the U.S. to not only benefit economically but also to influence the region geopolitically as Japan became a significant power in Asia. This engagement emphasized the U.S. goals of promoting trade and establishing economic footholds rather than military or territorial ambitions at that time.