Commodore Perry and Japan

Emily got me interested in this history. During the Edo period of Japanese history (1603-1867), the shogunate enforced a policy of "Sakoku" ("locked country"), which restricted trade and international relations. Trade still happened with China via the port of Nagasaki, as well as access to technology and information from the Dutch. During that period, there were numerous attempts from Western nations to open relations with Japan. Then, Commodore Matthew C. Perry and his squadron visited Japan in 1853. His ability and promise to use force happened to coincide with a weak moment in the shoganate, which equivocated concerning Perry's threats. This, in turn, led to popular distrust in the shoganate. Long story short, key Japanese leaders saw this as the chance to strengthen Japan with Western technology and influence. The end of the shoganate and the restoration of imperial rule, with the 1867 Meiji Restoration, resulted from these developments. Matthew Perry was born April 10, 1794. He is also notable as a commander in the War of 1812 and the Mexican War, and in leading efforts to modernize Navy ships with steam engines. Here he is in a photo by Matthew Brady, a Japanese portrait, and a Japanese picture that portrays him with goblin features. http://visualizingcultures.mit.edu/.../bss_essay02.htmlstill