The Perry Expedition
The Perry Expedition of 1853 was named for its leader Matthew C. Perry, an officer in the U.S. Navy. Commodore Perry led the voyage to Japan at a time when Japan had been closed off from the outside world for over two hundred years. Only the Dutch, Chinese and some officials from Korea had limited contact with Japan. Perry's job was to negotiate a treaty with Japan that would end Japan's isolation and begin friendly relations with the United States.

America wanted a treaty of friendship with Japan for several reasons. First, the American public asked the government to seek better treatment for American sailors who were shipwrecked off the coast of Japan. Shipwrecks were common in the rough waters off Japan, and American sailors who landed in Japan were badly treated. Americans wanted to make sure that American sailors were treated with kindness in the future.

Second, exploration and trade by ship were common in this day. American steam ships needed ports to refuel on their way to China for trade, and on whaling voyages. Japan's geographical location made it a perfect place for such a port.

Third, and perhaps most important, Americans, along with British and others, were actively exploring the Pacific and wanted to establish formal trade and diplomatic relations with Japan to expand their political and economic influence in Asia.

Next>