and Japan when the U.S. sends a letter to Japan explaining, “if your imperial majesty were so far to change the ancient laws as to allow a free trade between the two countries it would be extremely beneficial to both” (Walthall and Steele Document 4). Through communication of the U.S. and Japan that leads to the signing of a trade agreement, divisions arise that lead to the fall of the sogunate. This proves that trade plays a controlling factor in the success of a country (Walthall and Steele Document 5). Japan also sees harmful effects to their economy, “Already because of of foreign trade, prices of goods have risen, to the detriment of all four classes of people, and hard times are virtually at hand. These are the harmful effects of trade” (Walthall and Steele Document 14). Perhaps, no greater place exhibits the harmful effects as in the magnitude and greed of trade in the Congo Free State. In particular, Tippu Tip describes it vividly, “every month Europeans came to the camp, two or three boat loads and they all left with a load of ivory. Some they left behind. Stanley Falls was full of Europeans and as many goods as you could want” (Grant