Commodore Matthew Perry

Definition

Commodore Matthew Perry was a United States naval officer known for his role in opening Japan to the West in the mid-19th century. His expeditions, particularly the 1853 arrival in Tokyo Bay with a fleet of 'black ships,' pressured Japan to end its isolationist Sakoku policy and led to significant changes in Japanese society and governance, contributing to the decline of the shogunate amidst foreign pressures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Matthew Perry was sent on a mission by President Millard Fillmore to negotiate a treaty that would open Japan to American trade and diplomacy.
2. Perry's arrival in Japan was marked by the display of advanced naval technology, including steam-powered warships, which shocked Japanese officials and demonstrated Western military power.
3. The initial visit in 1853 was followed by a return visit in 1854, where Perry successfully negotiated the Treaty of Kanagawa, which opened two ports for American vessels.
4. Perry's actions are often credited with ending over two centuries of Japan's self-imposed isolation, leading to significant political, economic, and social changes within Japan.
5. His expeditions not only influenced Japan's foreign relations but also sparked internal debates about modernization and reform, ultimately contributing to the decline of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Review Questions

• How did Commodore Matthew Perry's actions challenge the existing political structure of Japan during his time?
  • Commodore Matthew Perry's arrival in Japan significantly challenged the existing political structure by directly confronting the isolationist policies of the Tokugawa shogunate. His impressive display of military technology highlighted Japan's vulnerability to foreign powers and forced Japanese leaders to reconsider their stance on international relations. As a result, Perry's expeditions initiated discussions among Japanese officials about modernization and reform, which ultimately contributed to internal dissent against the shogunate.
• Evaluate the short-term impacts of Perry's expeditions on Japan's foreign policy and trade relations.
  • The short-term impacts of Perry's expeditions were profound, as they led directly to the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854. This treaty established formal trade relations between Japan and the United States, marking a pivotal shift from isolationism to engagement with Western powers. The opening of ports allowed for increased trade and interaction with other nations, laying the groundwork for further diplomatic negotiations and economic exchanges that would reshape Japan’s position in the world.
• Assess how Commodore Matthew Perry’s role in opening Japan relates to broader themes of globalization and modernization during the 19th century.
  • Commodore Matthew Perry’s role in opening Japan exemplifies broader themes of globalization and modernization during the 19th century by illustrating how external pressures can instigate profound societal transformations. His expeditions not only forced Japan to abandon its isolationist Sakoku policy but also catalyzed debates within Japanese society regarding modernization and adaptation to Western influences. This transition facilitated Japan's emergence as a modern state capable of participating in global affairs, ultimately leading to rapid industrialization during the Meiji Restoration and a redefined national identity shaped by international dynamics.

Related terms

Sakoku: The national policy of Japan from the early 17th century to the mid-19th century that enforced strict isolation from foreign influence and prohibited Japanese citizens from traveling abroad.

Treaty of Kanagawa: An 1854 agreement between the United States and Japan that ended Japan's isolation, establishing trade relations and marking the beginning of Japan's integration into the global economy.

Meiji Restoration: A period of rapid modernization and industrialization in Japan that began in 1868, following the end of the shogunate and influenced by the pressures exerted by Perry and other foreign powers.