Commodore Matthew C. Perry - The Man Who Unlocked Japan

Summary

Commodore Matthew C. Perry's 1853 arrival in Japan marked the end of the country’s centuries-long isolation. Tasked with securing a trade agreement, Perry's steam-powered ships shocked the Japanese, who initially saw them as mythical dragons. Despite initial tensions, Perry's persistence led to the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, opening Japan to foreign trade and military cooperation. His efforts set in motion the Meiji Restoration, transforming Japan into a modern, industrialized nation. Perry's legacy continues to shape Japan’s technological growth, with annual commemorations of his arrival and a lasting impact on Tokyo’s development into a global metropolis.

Takeaways

• 😀 Commodore Matthew C. Perry played a pivotal role in ending Japan's isolationist policies in the mid-19th century, effectively opening the country to the West.
• 😀 In the 19th century, Japan was nearing the end of its Edo period, a time of peace and stability under the Tokugawa Shogunate, which had kept the country largely closed off from the outside world.
• 😀 The policy of 'sakoku' (closed country) had been enacted as early as the 17th century to protect Japan from colonial powers and prevent foreign influence, including religious and cultural encroachment.
• 😀 Perry, born into a naval family, rose through the ranks of the U.S. Navy, eventually becoming a leading advocate for steam-powered ships, earning the title 'Father of the Steam Navy'.
• 😀 In 1853, Perry sailed to Japan with four ships, two of which were steam-powered, to secure a trade agreement, and delivered a letter from President Millard Fillmore to the Japanese emperor.
• 😀 When Perry arrived in Japan, the locals mistook his steam-powered ships for 'dragons' and initially raised an army in defense, unaware of the technological marvels approaching.
• 😀 Perry's approach included a mix of diplomacy and intimidation, with his crew addressing him as 'Admiral' and maintaining an air of mystery to assert power and authority.
• 😀 Perry's persistence in demanding that he meet with the Japanese emperor, despite the fact that the emperor was a powerless figurehead, ultimately led to his meeting with Japanese officials in Nagasaki in 1853.
• 😀 The Treaty of Kanagawa, signed in 1854, marked a historic shift as Japan agreed to open two ports for U.S. trade, securing peace and friendship between the two nations.
• 😀 Perry's mission led to significant internal unrest in Japan, eventually contributing to the Meiji Restoration of 1868, where Japan transitioned from feudal rule to a centralized, imperial government and began modernizing rapidly.
• 😀 The impact of Perry's visit is still celebrated in Japan, with annual Black Ship Festivals and a museum dedicated to his role in transforming Japan into a modern technological power.
• 😀 Perry's legacy can be seen in Tokyo's rise as a global metropolis, with its technological advances and towering skyscrapers a direct result of the changes initiated by Perry's opening of Japan.

Q & A

What role did Commodore Matthew C. Perry play in Japan's opening to the West?

Commodore Matthew C. Perry was the key figure in opening Japan to the West in the mid-19th century. His arrival in 1853 with a fleet of steam-powered ships ended Japan's isolationist policy, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, which opened Japan to trade and diplomatic relations with the United States.

What was the political system in Japan before Perry's arrival?

Before Perry's arrival, Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa Shogunate, a feudal system that had been in place for over 200 years. The Shogun, not the emperor, held political power, and Japan was largely isolated from foreign influence under the sakoku policy.

What is sakoku, and how did it impact Japan?

Sakoku was Japan's foreign relations policy that kept the country isolated from the rest of the world. It prohibited most foreigners from entering Japan and restricted Japanese citizens from leaving. While it protected Japan from foreign colonization, it also caused Japan to fall behind in scientific and technological advancements.

What was Perry's objective when he sailed to Japan in 1853?

Perry's objective was to secure a trade agreement with Japan, which was considered a 'closed country' by the West. He sought to bring Japan into the 'family of civilized nations' by opening its ports for trade and establishing diplomatic relations with the United States.

How did the Japanese people initially react to Perry's arrival?

The Japanese were initially alarmed and fearful upon seeing Perry's steam-powered ships, which they had never encountered before. Some villagers even believed the ships were 'dragons' due to their size and the smoke they emitted, leading to a defensive mobilization of over 177,000 men.

What challenges did Perry face in negotiating with Japan?

Perry faced several challenges in negotiating with Japan, including the language barrier, as all discussions had to be translated into Dutch before being translated into Japanese. Additionally, Japan's reluctance to open up to foreign trade and the internal political structure, where the Shogun held real power, made negotiations difficult.

What was the Treaty of Kanagawa, and what did it accomplish?

The Treaty of Kanagawa, signed in 1854, was a significant agreement between the United States and Japan. It opened two Japanese ports, Shimoda and Hakodate, to American ships, established diplomatic and trade relations, and granted American ships assistance in Japanese waters, marking the end of Japan's isolationist policy.

How did Perry's visit influence Japan's internal politics?

Perry's visit contributed to the weakening of the Tokugawa Shogunate's power. The signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa and subsequent unrest led to the Meiji Restoration in 1868, during which the emperor reclaimed authority, and Japan transitioned to a modernized government that embraced technological innovation and industrialization.

What technological advancements did Japan adopt after Perry's visit?

After Perry's visit, Japan rapidly adopted Western technological advancements, particularly in steam-powered ships, which became a symbol of Japan's modernization. Within five years, Japan acquired 26 steamships, marking a significant step in its technological and industrial revolution.

How is Commodore Perry's legacy commemorated in Japan today?

Commodore Perry's legacy is celebrated in Japan through the annual Black Ship Festival, which commemorates his arrival. Additionally, a museum has been built to honor his role in opening Japan to the world. His influence can also be seen in the development of Tokyo, which transformed from a feudal city into a bustling metropolis and center of technological innovation.