U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry

Definition

U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry was a naval officer who played a crucial role in opening Japan to the Western world in the mid-19th century. His expeditions led to the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, which marked the beginning of Japan's engagement with Western powers and set the stage for state-led industrialization in Japan as it sought to modernize and compete with Western nations.

Historical Context

During the mid-19th century, Japan was a secluded nation with a policy of isolation, known as Sakoku. Commodore Matthew Perry, a U.S. naval officer, was instrumental in the 1853-1854 expeditions that aimed to open Japan to international trade and diplomacy. Perry's mission was backed by the industrializing power of the United States, which sought to expand its influence and commerce in the Pacific.

Historical Significance

Commodore Perry's expedition is historically significant for precipitating the end of Japan's 220-year-old policy of isolation. The subsequent treaties he helped negotiate, such as the Convention of Kanagawa in 1854, opened Japanese ports to American trade and established diplomatic relations between the two nations. This event marked the beginning of Japan's transformation into a modern state and reshaped global economic and political dynamics in the late 19th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Matthew Perry's expedition to Japan included two significant naval missions, with his arrival in Tokyo Bay occurring in 1853.
2. Perry used gunboat diplomacy to exert pressure on the Japanese government, showcasing U.S. naval power to convince Japan to open its ports.
3. The Treaty of Kanagawa not only allowed for limited trade but also established a U.S. consulate in Japan, enhancing American influence.
4. Perry's actions significantly impacted Japan's decision to modernize and industrialize, leading to advancements in technology and military capabilities.
5. Following the Treaty of Kanagawa, Japan quickly adopted Western technologies and practices, eventually becoming a world power by the early 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did Commodore Matthew Perry's actions lead to significant changes in Japan's foreign relations?
  • Commodore Matthew Perry's arrival in Japan with his naval fleet was pivotal in ending over two centuries of Japanese isolation. His use of gunboat diplomacy effectively pressured the Japanese government into signing the Treaty of Kanagawa, which opened Japanese ports to American trade. This event marked a turning point that led Japan to engage more broadly with Western powers, significantly altering its foreign relations and ultimately pushing it toward modernization.
• Evaluate the impact of the Treaty of Kanagawa on Japan’s path toward industrialization during the Meiji Restoration.
  • The Treaty of Kanagawa had a profound impact on Japan's trajectory toward industrialization during the Meiji Restoration. By opening up trade with Western nations, it exposed Japan to new technologies and ideas, which were critical for its rapid modernization. The Meiji government recognized the need to strengthen its military and economy, adopting Western methods in industry and education, which laid the foundation for Japan’s emergence as an industrial power by the early 20th century.
• Analyze how Perry's expeditions reflect broader trends in global politics and economics during the 19th century.
  • Perry's expeditions reflect significant trends in global politics and economics during the 19th century, particularly regarding imperialism and globalization. His use of gunboat diplomacy illustrated how powerful nations exerted influence over weaker states through military might and economic coercion. This approach not only facilitated trade agreements but also represented a shift toward global interconnectivity, as nations sought resources and markets beyond their borders. Furthermore, Perry's actions contributed to the larger narrative of Western powers engaging with Asia, setting precedents for future diplomatic interactions.

Related terms

Treaty of Kanagawa: The agreement signed in 1854 between the United States and Japan, which established trade relations and marked the end of Japan's period of isolation.

Meiji Restoration:

A pivotal period from 1868 to 1912 in Japan when the imperial rule was restored, leading to rapid modernization and industrialization.

Gunboat Diplomacy:

The use or threat of military force to coerce a government into economic or political agreements, exemplified by Perry's approach to opening Japan.