Perry Expedition

Quick Facts: Who was Perry Expedition?

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Perry Expedition

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US Navy expedition that forced open Japan's isolation policy in the mid-19th century.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Perry Expedition (Japanese: 黒船来航, kurofune raikō, "Arrival of the Black Ships") was a diplomatic and military expedition in two separate voyages (1852–1853 and 1854–1855) to the Tokugawa shogunate (徳川幕府) by warships of the United States Navy. The goals of this expedition included exploration, surveying, and the establishment of diplomatic relations and negotiation of trade agreements with the various nations in the region. Opening contact with the government of Japan was considered a top priority of the expedition, and was one of the key reasons for its inception. The expedition was commanded by Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry, under orders from President Millard Fillmore. Perry's primary goal was to force an end to Japan's 220-year-old policy of isolation and to open Japanese ports to American trade, through the use of gunboat diplomacy if necessary.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The Perry Expedition led directly to the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the western Great Powers, and eventually to the collapse of the ruling Tokugawa shogunate and the restoration of the Emperor. Following the expedition, Japan's burgeoning trade routes with the world led to the cultural trend of Japonisme, in which aspects of Japanese culture influenced art in Europe and America. Growing commerce between America and China, the presence of American whalers in waters off Japan, and the increasing monopolization of potential coaling stations by European colonial powers in Asia were all contributing factors in the decision by President Fillmore to dispatch an expedition to Japan. Shipwrecked Westerners were treated harshly or even executed in Japan, under the policy of Sakoku, including sailors from the American whaling ship the Lawrence in 1846. The Americans were also driven by concepts of manifest destiny and the desire to impose the benefits of Western civilization and the Christian religion on what they perceived as backward Asian nations.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

By the early 19th century, the Japanese policy of isolation was increasingly under challenge. In 1844, Dutch King William II sent a letter urging Japan to end the isolation policy on its own before change would be forced from the outside. Between 1790 and 1853, at least twenty-seven U.S. ships, including three warships, visited Japan, only to be turned away. There were increased sightings and incursions of foreign ships into Japanese waters, and this led to considerable internal debate in Japan on how best to meet this potential threat to Japan's economic and political sovereignty. In May 1851, American Secretary of State Daniel Webster authorized Commodore John H. Aulick, commander of the American East India Squadron, to attempt to return seventeen shipwrecked Japanese sailors residing in San Francisco, which might provide the opportunity for opening commercial relations with Japan.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1790: 1790 Milestone — Between 1790 and 1853, at least twenty-seven U.
2. 1844: 1844 Milestone — In 1844, Dutch King William II sent a letter urging Japan to end the isolation policy on its own before change would be forced from the outside.
3. 1846: 1846 Milestone — Shipwrecked Westerners were treated harshly or even executed in Japan, under the policy of Sakoku, including sailors from the American whaling ship the Lawrence in 1846.
4. 1851: 1851 Milestone — In May 1851, American Secretary of State Daniel Webster authorized Commodore John H.
5. 1852: 1852 Milestone — The Perry Expedition (Japanese: 黒船来航, kurofune raikō, "Arrival of the Black Ships") was a diplomatic and military expedition in two separate voyages (1852–1853 and 1854–1855) to the Tokugawa shogunate (徳川幕府) by warships of the United States Navy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Perry Expedition

True or False: “The primary goal of the Perry Expedition was solely to establish purely commercial trade agreements without political interference.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While trade was a major component, the expedition's overarching goal was also to force an end to Japan's 220-year policy of isolation and establish diplomatic relations.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Perry Expedition