Townsend Harris
American diplomat and ambassador to Japan
Born
October 3rd, 1804
220 years ago
Died
February 25th, 1878
147 years ago — 73 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
United States
Links & References
A merchant and politician, served as the United States Ambassador to Japan from 1856 to 1862. His tenure was marked by significant diplomatic achievements, including the negotiation of the Harris Treaty in 1858, which established trade relations between the United States and Japan. This treaty paved the way for further diplomatic engagements between the two nations. Harris played a crucial role in opening Japan to the West during the Edo period, contributing to a pivotal shift in Japanese foreign relations.
Negotiated the Harris Treaty with Japan
Served as the first U.S. Ambassador to Japan
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