![]() ![]() Opening of two ports to American ships at Shimoda and Hakodate.Peace and friendship between the United States and Japan.On March 31, 1854, after weeks of long and tiresome talks, Perry received what he had so dearly worked for-a treaty with Japan. The Japanese government realized that their country was in no position to defend itself against a foreign power, and Japan could not retain its isolation policy without risking war. He waited with his armed ships and refused to see any of the lesser dignitaries sent by the Japanese, insisting on dealing only with the highest emissaries of the Emperor. He brought a letter from the President of the United States, Millard Fillmore, to the Emperor of Japan. He knew that the mission to Japan would be his most significant accomplishment. They thought the ships were "giant dragons puffing smoke." They did not know that steamboats existed and were shocked by the number and size of the guns on board the ships.Īt age 60, Matthew Perry had a long and distinguished naval career. Never before had the Japanese seen ships steaming with smoke. On July 8,1853 four black ships led by USS Powhatan and commanded by Commodore Matthew Perry, anchored at Edo (Tokyo) Bay. In addition to interest in the Japanese market, America needed Japanese ports to replenish coal and supplies for the commercial whaling fleet. The United States hoped Japan would agree to open certain ports so American vessels could begin to trade with the mysterious island kingdom. A United States naval officer, Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry, negotiated tirelessly for several months with Japanese officials to achieve the goal of opening the doors of trade with Japan.įor two centuries, Japanese ports were closed to all but a few Dutch and Chinese traders. On Marepresentatives of Japan and the United States signed a historic treaty. ![]()
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