Malcolm Rivera
In 1853, Commodore Matthew C. Perry of the United States Navy led an expedition to Japan, employing gunboat diplomacy to end the country's 220-year-old policy of isolation and open its ports to American trade. Perry's squadron of steamships and sailing vessels entered Tokyo Bay, seeking to re-establish trade and discourse between Japan and the Western world. This event marked a turning point in Japanese history, as it abandoned its isolationism and signed the Convention of Kanagawa with the United States in 1854.
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What You'll Learn
- Commodore Matthew Perry's mission to Japan was authorised by President Millard Fillmore in 1851
- The expedition aimed to end Japan's 220-year-old policy of isolation
- Perry's small squadron of ships intimidated the Japanese into accepting Western trade
- The Treaty of Kanagawa was signed in 1854, opening two Japanese ports to American trade
- Perry's gunboat diplomacy was a turning point in Japanese history, leading to the collapse of the Tokugawa Shogunate
Commodore Matthew Perry's mission to Japan was authorised by President Millard Fillmore in 1851
Perry's expedition, which began in 1852, was a significant event in the history of US-Japan relations. He arrived in Japanese waters with a small squadron of US Navy ships, including the steamships Mississippi, Susquehanna, and Powhatan, and the sailing sloops Macedonian, Plymouth, and Saratoga. Perry's primary goal was to end Japan's policy of isolation and open its ports to American trade, even if it meant using gunboat diplomacy.
Gunboat diplomacy was a common tactic used by Western powers against weaker nations during the height of imperialism in the 19th century. It involved using intimidation and the threat of force to change the policies of those nations. Perry's squadron sailed into Tokyo Bay on July 8, 1853, creating a "shock and awe" effect on the Japanese, who had no navy to defend themselves.
Perry's mission successfully ended Japan's isolationism and led to the signing of the Convention of Kanagawa between the two nations in 1854. This treaty opened two Japanese ports to American ships and allowed for trade and refuelling. Perry's actions had a profound impact on Japan, leading to the collapse of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the restoration of the Emperor.
Perry's expedition also had cultural repercussions, influencing art in Europe and America through the trend of Japonisme, where aspects of Japanese culture were incorporated into Western art. In addition, Perry's success in Japan served as a blueprint for other Western powers, with Russia, Britain, France, and Holland following his example and using their fleets to force Japan to sign treaties promising regular relations and trade.
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The expedition aimed to end Japan's 220-year-old policy of isolation
The Perry Expedition, led by Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry, aimed to end Japan's 220-year-old policy of isolation. The expedition, commanded by Perry, set sail under orders from President Millard Fillmore. Perry's primary goal was to force an end to Japan's long-held isolationist policy and to open Japanese ports to American trade, through the use of gunboat diplomacy if necessary.
Japan's isolationist policy, known as Sakoku, was enacted by the Tokugawa Shogun, Iemitsu, in 1633. The policy sought to protect Japan from external colonial or religious influences, particularly Christianity, which had been introduced by the Portuguese. During this time, most Japanese were not allowed to leave, and foreigners were not allowed to enter Japan without the approval of the authorities, under the threat of execution. However, it is important to note that Japan was not completely isolated during the Sakoku period. There was extensive trade with China through the port of Nagasaki, and the Dutch maintained a presence on the island of Dejima in Nagasaki harbour, where they were permitted to trade under strict regulations.
In the years leading up to the Perry Expedition, a number of factors increased the appeal of establishing commercial and diplomatic contacts with Japan for the United States. American traders in the Pacific were transitioning from sailing ships to steam ships, and they required secure coaling stations for their journeys to China. Additionally, the American whaling industry had expanded into the North Pacific and sought safe harbors, assistance in case of shipwrecks, and reliable supply stations. Tales of the mistreatment of American sailors who had been shipwrecked or stranded on Japanese shores had also spread, further motivating the need for an agreement to protect Americans in Japan.
Commodore Perry's expedition arrived in Japanese waters in 1853, with a small squadron of U.S. Navy ships. Perry's fleet included the steam warships Mississippi, Susquehanna, and Powhatan, as well as other armed vessels. Perry's approach into the forbidden waters around Tokyo demonstrated his willingness to use force, and this show of force convinced the Japanese authorities to accept his demands. Perry also brought gifts for the Japanese Emperor, including a working model of a steam locomotive, a telescope, a telegraph, and various Western wines and liquors, showcasing the superiority of Western culture.
The Perry Expedition successfully achieved its goals, leading to the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the western Great Powers and the opening of select Japanese ports to American trade. This marked the end of Japan's 220-year-old policy of isolation and the beginning of a new era of modernisation for the country.
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Perry's small squadron of ships intimidated the Japanese into accepting Western trade
Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry led a squadron of two steamships and two sailing vessels into Tokyo Bay on July 8, 1853, marking the beginning of a classic gunboat diplomacy tactic. Gunboat diplomacy was a common strategy employed by powerful Western nations against weaker countries during the height of imperialism in the 19th century. The goal was to use intimidation and the threat of force to change the policies of these lesser states.
Perry's small squadron of ships, including his flagship, the black-hulled paddle-wheeled Mississippi, intimidated the Japanese into accepting Western trade. Perry was well aware that the Japanese had no navy to defend themselves and used this knowledge to his advantage. He deliberately sailed into forbidden waters, knowing that his display of force would convince the Japanese authorities to accept his demands. This strategy was successful, and the Japanese agreed to open their ports to American trade.
In addition to his warships, Perry brought gifts for the Japanese Emperor, including a working model of a steam locomotive, a telescope, a telegraph, and Western wines and liquors. These gifts were intended to showcase the superiority of Western culture and technology. Perry's mission was not solely focused on trade, but also included the protection of shipwrecked or stranded Americans. He demanded that the Japanese treat these individuals better and allow them to return safely to the United States.
The Perry Expedition had far-reaching consequences, leading to the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Western Great Powers. It also contributed to the collapse of the ruling Tokugawa shogunate and the restoration of the Emperor. The opening of Japanese ports to Western trade brought significant cultural exchange, with aspects of Japanese culture influencing art in Europe and America, a trend known as "Japonisme."
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![Die erschliessung Japans; erinnerungen des admirals Perry von der fahrt der amerikanischen flotte 1853/54, bearb. von ... dr. A. Wirth ... und dr. Adolf Dirr ... Mitt 6 vollbildern. 19 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81nNKsF6dYL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The Treaty of Kanagawa was signed in 1854, opening two Japanese ports to American trade
Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry led an expedition to Japan in 1853, aiming to end the country's 220-year-old policy of isolation and open Japanese ports to American trade. Perry was a senior-ranking officer in the United States Navy with extensive diplomatic experience. He was well aware of the challenges in establishing relations with Japan, and his mission was backed by the threat of force if necessary.
Perry's squadron of two steamships and two sailing vessels arrived in Uraga Bay, part of the larger Edo Bay, on July 8, 1853. The Japanese called these ships "black ships," and their arrival caused a sense of awe and surprise among the onlookers. Perry's display of advanced Western technology and firepower was a deliberate tactic to intimidate the Japanese and demonstrate his ability to use force if needed.
Perry's mission was not the first American attempt to open Japan. In the 1830s, the Far Eastern squadron of the U.S. Navy sent several missions from its base in Guangzhou, China, but the Japanese did not allow them to land. Additionally, there had been previous trade relations between Japan and Western nations in the 16th and 17th centuries, with Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch traders engaging in regular trade. However, Japan's expulsion of most foreigners in 1639 led to a period of isolationism.
In 1854, the Treaty of Kanagawa was signed between the United States and Japan, opening two Japanese ports to American trade. This treaty marked a significant shift in Japanese policy and ended the country's period of isolation. The two ports opened to American ships were Hakodate on the island of Hokkaido and Shimoda. This treaty also led to the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the western Great Powers and eventually contributed to the collapse of the ruling Tokugawa shogunate and the restoration of the Emperor.
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Perry's gunboat diplomacy was a turning point in Japanese history, leading to the collapse of the Tokugawa Shogunate
Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry led an expedition to Japan in 1853, aiming to end the country's 220-year-old policy of isolation and open its ports to American trade. This mission, known as Perry's Gunboat Diplomacy, marked a turning point in Japanese history and had far-reaching consequences, ultimately contributing to the collapse of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Perry, a seasoned officer in the United States Navy, was well-versed in the challenges of establishing relations with Japan. He approached the mission with a sense of audacity and a willingness to use force if necessary. Perry's fleet, which included steam warships and sailing vessels, sailed into Tokyo Bay, causing awe and shock among the Japanese onlookers who referred to the ships as "black ships".
The success of Perry's Gunboat Diplomacy in Japan rested on a combination of intimidation, impression, and the threat of force. Perry exploited Japan's weaknesses, particularly its lack of a navy, to achieve his objectives. By sailing into forbidden waters and refusing to abide by traditional protocols, Perry demonstrated his determination and the superiority of Western military technology. This approach created a sense of division within Japan, with some favouring openness while others advocated for the expulsion of foreigners.
The immediate consequence of Perry's expedition was the signing of the Convention of Kanagawa in 1854, which opened specific Japanese ports to American trade. This treaty marked the end of Japan's isolationism and signalled the beginning of its engagement with the Western world. The establishment of diplomatic and trade relations between Japan and Western powers had far-reaching cultural, economic, and political impacts. The influx of foreign trade and currency disrupted Japan's monetary system and challenged the country's sense of sovereignty and independence.
The Tokugawa Shogunate, which had ruled Japan since 1603, found itself weakened by the division and foreign incursion that followed Perry's expedition. The shogunate's inability to resist Western demands and protect Japan's independence likely contributed to its declining legitimacy and ultimately led to its collapse. The Meiji Era, which began in 1868, marked a new chapter in Japanese history, characterised by the slogan "Fukoku Kyohei" or "Strong Economy, Strong Army". This era witnessed Japan's efforts to strengthen its economy and military to prevent further humiliation and encroachment by foreign powers.
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Frequently asked questions
The primary goal of the expedition, led by Commodore Matthew Perry, was to force an end to Japan's self-imposed 220-year-old policy of isolation and open Japanese ports to American trade.
Perry arrived in Japanese waters with a squadron of U.S. Navy ships, intending to display a willingness to use advanced firepower. He also brought gifts for the Japanese Emperor, such as a working model of a steam locomotive, intended to showcase the superiority of Western culture. Through gunboat diplomacy, intimidation, and the threat of force, Perry convinced the Japanese authorities to accept his demands.
The Perry Expedition led to the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa or the Convention of Kanagawa in 1854 between Japan and the United States. As per the treaty, Japan agreed to protect stranded seamen and open two ports, Shimoda and Hakodate, for refueling and provisioning American ships. The treaty also granted the United States the right to appoint consuls to reside in these port cities. This marked the end of Japan's isolationism and the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Western powers.
