Here are some great shots of the Fleet weathering the storm on the way to Japan:
The arrival of the American Fleet in Japan was the pinnacle of the World Cruise. It was observed worldwide for the outcome.
Would America go to war with Japan, develop an alliance, or find peace through mutual agreement?
Both nations understood the political importance of the visit and how it would be perceived by other nations of the world. With this, a celebration of the "friendship based on trade" established by Commodore Perry was celebrated by both countries. By defining the relationship in this manner, Japan was able to acknowledge the industrial growth their country had experienced since the 1852 visit and described their future plans for China as a similar relationship. They could be China's "America", opening their doors to the world of trade.
Japan prepared for the American's visit like no other event in their history. No detail in expression, decoration, or festivity was overlooked. They made sure there could be no confusion regarding their desire for friendship with America.
Much had been resolved in the past six months between the two nations. In February a “gentlemen’s agreement” had been made limiting the amount of emigration to America which the Japanese were complying with. In March work was begun on the Root-Takahiri Treaty to respect each other’s territorial rights, allowing Japan to move into Manchuria and America to control the Philippines without interference. Other items were not as well known. America agreed to send the entire Fleet to Japan while sending only half the Fleet to visit China. Japan had insisted on the whole Fleet or none at all, and felt sending the whole Fleet to China would signal she was of equal importance. The U.S. Government agreed and planned their visits accordingly. Finally, the Japanese viewed the Cruiser Fleet at Samoa, while the Battleship Fleet was in Yokohama as a gesture of hostility.
Roosevelt backed down and ordered the cruisers home before the Fleet arrived in Yokohama. It has been speculated that Roosevelt had realized after the Fleet’s departure that it was outnumbered and potentially out-classed by the Japanese Navy and chose to make concessions verses create conflict.
Cheers
Sean
