Expedition+to+Japan


 * Commodore Matthew Perry: The first expedition to Japan **

**//Why did the US send Commodore Matthew Perry and his fleet to Japan?//** Commodore Matthew Perry was sent by president Millard Fillmore to Japan in hopes to open up Japanese ports to America. Japanese ports were currently closed to everyone but a few Dutch and Chinese traders and America wanted in on the action. Overall, America was greatly interested in the Japanese markets. **//American sailors take on Japan upon arrival://** When the shores were first visible to the fleet, they saw these screens hung from posts of wood that made it look like paneling. From these screens hung flags and streamers that were designed in very beautiful colors. As they came closer they saw that the Japanese had made preparations for their arrival and their military was all lined up along shore trying to impress the Americans.

**//How long did the fleet stay in Japan?//** The fleet stayed in Japan for only 10 days. Perry left the Japanese officials with a letter of his demands. From the time he left after this first visit, to the time when he promised to return in the Spring, would be the time the Japanese officials had to think about their answer to the demands.

**//What steps were taken in planning this expedition?//** After perry accepted the role of Commodore in the expedition, he began to thoroughly. In preparation for his voyage, Perry read many books with information on Tokugawa, Japan. Not only did he read many books but he also had many important, and extensive talks with business men who were also interested in Asian trade. Perry wanted to do things his own way and demanded certain "discretionary powers" which allowed him to use force against the Japanese if they tried to treat him badly. Perry also refused to let any diplomats join him due to the fear that they would ruin the expedition. He wanted certain people aboard with him and recruited a photographer, artist, and translators to go with him. With the men set for the trip, he then took various weapons from government stores with him including pistols, swords, and muskets. Everything according to Perry was set for the expedition to begin.

**//What was the outcome of the trip?//** This voyage Perry and his fleet had made attempts at a commercial and friendship treaty with the Japanese emperor. Perry was hopeful the Japanese would agree, which they reluctantly did to some of the demands until Perry and his fleet would come back a second time. ** // How were the Americans treated by the Japanese? // ** When Perry's fleet showed up, to say the Japanese were surprised is an understatement. The Japanese had never seen a boat steaming with smoke and when they saw the four black ships approaching, they thought they were coming face to face with "giant dragons puffing smoke." The Japanese were greatly impressed with Perry's fleet and the technologly aboard each ship. The Japanese granted the wishes that President Fillmore wished for and then invited the Americans to a big feast hosted by the Japanese. They impressed the Americans with how courteous and polite they were. Even to this day, the Japanese celebrate Commodore Matthew Perry's expedition with annual black ship festivals.