AskSia

Plus

“I have directed Commodore Perry to assure your imperial majesty that I entertai...

Oct 11, 2023

“I have directed Commodore Perry to assure your imperial majesty that I entertain the kindest feelings toward your majesty’s person and government. “The United States of America reach from ocean to ocean, and our Territory of Oregon and State of California lie directly opposite to the dominions of your imperial majesty. Our steamships can go from California to Japan in eighteen days. “Our great State of California produces about sixty millions of dollars in gold every year . . . and many other valuable articles. Japan is also a rich and fertile country, and produces many very valuable articles. . . . I am desirous that our two countries should trade with each other, for the benefit both of Japan and the United States. “We know that the ancient laws of your imperial majesty’s government do not allow of foreign trade, except with the Chinese and the Dutch; but as the state of the world changes and new governments are formed, it seems to be wise, from time to time, to make new laws. . . . “These are the only objects for which I have sent Commodore Perry, with a powerful squadron, to pay a visit to your imperial majesty’s renowned city of Yedo: friendship, commerce, a supply of coal and provisions, and protection for our shipwrecked people.” —President Millard Fillmore, letter to the Emperor of Japan, presented by Commodore Matthew Perry, 1853 1. A major goal of Commodore Matthew Perry’s expedition was to (A)challenge the “spheres of influence” system in Japan that had been developed by the major European powers. (B)reduce tensions that had developed between Japan and the United States over competing colonial claims. expand American trade into a country that had traditionally (C)isolated itself from most foreign powers. (D)overthrow the militaristic regime of Japan and replace it with a democratic government. 2 The United States naval expeditions to Japan in the 1850s, led by Commodore Matthew Perry, resulted in (A) a long period of Japanese isolation from Western trade and influence.(B) war between the United States and Japan.(C)Japan becoming an American colony. (D) Japan opening its ports to trade with the West. 3. The expedition by Commodore Matthew Perry could best be understood in the context of (A) an expanding American economy. (B) shifting alliances among major world powers. (C) increased nativist sentiment in the United States. (D) debates over the expansion of slavery.

Key Concept

KC-5.1.II: In the 19th century, Manifest Destiny and the desire for access to natural and mineral resources, as well as the hope of finding new markets for American goods, led to an increased U.S. interest in Asia.

Explanation

Commodore Matthew Perry's expedition was primarily aimed at opening Japan to American trade. At the time, Japan had a policy of isolation and only traded with a few countries. Perry's expedition was a part of the broader U.S. policy of expanding its influence and trade to other parts of the world. 2.

Key Concept

KC-5.1.II: The U.S. interest in expanding trade led to economic, diplomatic, and cultural initiatives to create more ties with Asia.

Explanation

The result of Perry's expedition was the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, which opened Japanese ports to American trade. This marked the end of Japan's policy of isolation and started a period of increased foreign influence and modernization. 3.

Key Concept

KC-5.1.II: The desire for access to natural and mineral resources and new markets led to U.S. interest in Asia.

Explanation

The expedition by Commodore Matthew Perry can be best understood in the context of an expanding American economy. The U.S. was looking for new markets to sell its goods and Japan was seen as a potential market.

What was the result of Commodore Matthew Perry's expedition?, What was the goal of Commodore Matthew Perry's expedition?, In what context can the expedition by Commodore Matthew Perry be best understood?