The Treaty of Kanagawa, signed in 1854 between Japan and the United States, marked a significant turning point in Japanese history. This treaty ended Japan's 220-year policy of national seclusion, allowing American ships to access Japanese ports for refueling and trade. It also paved the way for more treaties with other Western nations, leading to Japan's rapid modernization and industrialization. The treaty ultimately contributed to Japan's emergence as a global power by facilitating its engagement with Western technology and ideas, shaping its trajectory towards modernization in the late 19th century.