What did the Treaty of Kanagawa grant the United States in relation to Japan?

The Treaty of Kanagawa, signed in 1854, marked a significant turning point in U.S.-Japanese relations by opening Japan to American trade and interaction after more than two centuries of self-imposed isolation. The treaty specifically granted the United States trading rights at two ports, which were Shimoda and Hakodate. This allowed American vessels to access these ports for supplies and trade, thereby initiating a series of treaties and trade agreements that expanded Western influence in Japan.

This agreement was crucial as it not only facilitated commerce but also served as a stepping stone for further diplomatic negotiations between the two nations. The opening of Japan to trade had profound implications, leading to increased Western presence and influence in the region. Thus, the focus on trading rights at the ports is the key aspect of what the Treaty of Kanagawa accomplished for the United States in relation to Japan.