Convention of Kanagawa
Iesada became "shōgun" on the sudden death of his father, Tokugawa Ieyoshi at the height of the Black Ships episode. Already in poor health, he took no active role in political affairs, leaving negotiations with the Americans in the hand of Abe Masahiro. The Convention of Kanagawa was signed on March 31, 1854. Abe resigned his post shortly afterwards, and was replaced as leader of the "rōjū" by Hotta Masayoshi.