The Gentlemen's Agreement of 1907 was a significant diplomatic effort between the United States and Japan aimed at addressing rising tensions over immigration. This informal agreement was not a treaty but a mutual understanding that sought to balance the interests of both nations without formal legislation. The agreement was a response to growing anti-Japanese sentiment in the U.S., particularly in California, and Japan's desire to maintain its dignity
on the international stage.
The Context of Rising Tensions
In the early 20th century, the United States experienced a surge in Japanese immigration, which led to increased racial tensions, particularly on the Pacific Coast. The anti-Japanese sentiment was fueled by fears of economic competition and racial prejudice. In 1906, the San Francisco Board of Education attempted to segregate Japanese students, which exacerbated the situation. Japan, having recently emerged as a world power after its victory in the Russo-Japanese War, was keen on maintaining its international reputation and was sensitive to any actions that might imply inferiority.
The U.S. government, under President Theodore Roosevelt, was aware of the potential diplomatic fallout from the segregation issue and sought a solution that would appease both domestic pressures and international relations. The Gentlemen's Agreement emerged as a compromise, where Japan agreed to limit the emigration of laborers to the U.S., while the U.S. promised not to impose formal immigration restrictions and to allow Japanese children to attend public schools.
Diplomatic Negotiations and Outcomes
The negotiations for the Gentlemen's Agreement were conducted through a series of notes exchanged between the U.S. and Japan from late 1907 to early 1908. These communications were characterized by a mutual desire to avoid conflict and maintain good relations. Japan agreed not to issue passports to laborers intending to migrate to the U.S., effectively reducing the number of new immigrants. In return, the U.S. agreed to accept the presence of Japanese immigrants already residing in the country and to permit the immigration of their families.
This agreement was significant as it demonstrated a diplomatic approach to resolving international disputes without resorting to formal treaties or legislation. It also highlighted the importance of maintaining national honor and dignity in international relations, as Japan was keen to avoid the humiliation experienced by China under the Chinese Exclusion Act.
The Legacy of the Agreement
The Gentlemen's Agreement of 1907 set a precedent for informal diplomatic solutions to immigration issues. It remained in effect until 1924 when the U.S. Congress passed the Immigration Act, which banned all Asian immigration. The agreement is a reminder of the complexities involved in balancing domestic pressures with international diplomacy. It also underscores the role of informal agreements in international relations, where mutual understanding and respect can lead to peaceful resolutions.
While the agreement temporarily eased tensions, it did not address the underlying issues of racial prejudice and economic competition. These issues would continue to influence U.S.-Japan relations and the broader context of immigration policy in the United States.
