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Attack on the Dutch war-steamer Medusa, opposite Simonoseki, Japan, 1863
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Attack on the Dutch war-steamer Medusa, opposite Simonoseki, Japan, 1863
Attack on the Dutch war-steamer Medusa, opposite Simonoseki, Japan, 1863. On 11th July 1863 the Dutch warship Medusa came under fire from forces of the rebel Choshu clan when trying to pass through the narrow Shimonoseki Strait. The Medusa succeeded in passing through, returning the Japanese fire as it did, but suffered considerable damage and 9 casualties. The Choshu clan were opposed to the growing foreign presence in Japan following the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, and proceeded to fire on ships belonging to several nations trying to sail through the strait. After a series of further incidents, a combined American, British, French and Dutch naval squadron bombarded the Choshu shore positions and destroyed their ships in a two day bombardment on 5th-6th September 1864. The Choshu clan surrendered two days later. The accord drawn up after the surrender compelled the Tokugawa Shogun to pay an indemnity of $3 million
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Media ID 14924311
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Explosion Firing Gunfire Medusa Naval Battle Shimonoseki Strait Strait Naval Warfare Print Collector8 Warship
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The print captures a pivotal moment in history, showcasing the intense attack on the Dutch war-steamer Medusa by rebel forces of the Choshu clan. Taken in 1863, this image depicts the harrowing events that unfolded near Simonoseki, Japan. The Medusa valiantly fought back as it navigated through the treacherous Shimonoseki Strait, but not without sustaining significant damage and losing nine brave souls. At this time, Japan was grappling with its growing foreign presence following the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854. The Choshu clan vehemently opposed these encroachments and targeted ships from various nations attempting to pass through their waters. In response to escalating incidents, a formidable naval squadron comprising American, British, French, and Dutch forces launched a relentless bombardment on September 5th-6th in 1864. This two-day assault resulted in decimating Choshu's shore positions and obliterating their fleet. Two days later, facing defeat and destruction at hand, the Choshu clan surrendered. As part of their capitulation agreement drawn up after surrendering powerlessly against overwhelming force, Tokugawa Shogun was compelled to pay an indemnity amounting to $3 million. This print serves as a poignant reminder of an era marked by conflict between traditional Japanese values and increasing Western influence. It immortalizes both bravery and devastation while shedding light on a crucial turning point that shaped Japan's future trajectory towards modernization and global integration.
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