Commodore Perry

Definition

Commodore Matthew Perry was a United States Navy officer known for his role in opening Japan to the West in the mid-19th century. His expeditions and negotiations led to the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, which marked the end of Japan's isolationist policies and initiated a new era of economic imperialism and trade relations with Western powers.

Historical Context

Commodore Matthew C. Perry was a U.S. naval officer who played a key role in the opening of Japan to the West with the Convention of Kanagawa in 1854. The historical context for his mission dates back to the mid-19th century when Japan had been following a policy of isolation, known as Sakoku, for over two centuries, limiting trade and contact with foreign countries mainly to the Dutch and Chinese within the confines of Nagasaki.

Historical Significance

The historical significance of Commodore Perry's expedition lies in its role as a catalyst for the end of Japan's period of isolation. Perry's arrival and subsequent negotiations led to Japan signing treaties with Western powers and embarking on rapid modernization during the Meiji Restoration. This opening also marked a shift in global power dynamics, signaling the rise of American influence in Asia and foreshadowing later Western imperialistic ventures in the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Commodore Perry's expedition to Japan took place in 1853-1854, involving a fleet of 'black ships' that showcased American naval power.
2. Perry's arrival in Japan was significant because it forced the Japanese government to confront Western demands for trade, altering their longstanding isolationist stance.
3. The Treaty of Kanagawa established several ports for American ships and allowed for limited trade, paving the way for other Western powers to follow suit.
4. Perry's mission was not only about trade but also aimed to protect American whalers and merchant ships that were often stranded or attacked by Japanese forces.
5. The impact of Perry's expedition was profound, as it set off a series of events leading to Japan's rapid modernization during the Meiji Restoration.

Review Questions

• How did Commodore Perry's actions influence Japan's foreign relations during the mid-19th century?
  • Commodore Perry's actions were pivotal in transforming Japan's foreign relations, as his arrival signaled an end to over two centuries of self-imposed isolation. By presenting a show of naval strength and ultimately signing the Treaty of Kanagawa, Perry forced Japan to open its ports to American trade. This shift not only allowed the U.S. to establish a foothold in Asia but also prompted other Western nations to pursue similar agreements, fundamentally altering Japan's interactions with the outside world.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Treaty of Kanagawa on Japan's development in the late 19th century.
  • The Treaty of Kanagawa had significant long-term effects on Japan's development, catalyzing its transition from an isolated nation to a major world power. Following the treaty, Japan underwent rapid modernization during the Meiji Restoration, embracing Western technologies and ideas to strengthen its economy and military. This transformation enabled Japan to emerge as an imperial power itself, challenging Western dominance in Asia and altering global dynamics significantly.
• Analyze how Commodore Perry’s expedition exemplifies the concept of economic imperialism in the context of global trade in the 19th century.
  • Commodore Perry’s expedition is a clear example of economic imperialism as it illustrated how powerful nations sought to expand their influence through trade rather than outright conquest. By forcing Japan to sign the Treaty of Kanagawa, Perry enabled American economic interests to penetrate Japanese markets, which had been closed off for centuries. This shift exemplified how Western powers leveraged their technological and military superiority to secure economic benefits, reshaping international trade patterns and contributing to a broader trend of economic imperialism during the 19th century.

Related terms

Treaty of Kanagawa: The 1854 agreement between the United States and Japan that ended Japan's period of isolation and established trade relations.

Meiji Restoration:

The period of rapid modernization and industrialization in Japan that began in 1868, following the end of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Economic Imperialism:

A form of imperialism where a country exerts control over another country or region through economic means, rather than military force.