Perry's Arrival: A Threat to Seclusion

Perry's mission was important because it set in motion forces that would eventually lead to the Meiji Restoration after internal debate within Japan. Perry's mission made it obvious that the Tokugawa form of government would no longer suffice in dealing with the powers of the West. Perry's mission also ended the centuries of seclusion within Japan.

"Every nation has undoubtedly the right to determine for itself the extent to which it will hold intercourse with other nations."
- Commodore Perry

Click on the pictures to learn about Perry's arrival

Convention of Kanagawa 1854

The Treaty of Kanagawa

This initial treaty between Commodore Perry and Japan was concluded on March 31, 1854.
The treaty allowed America access to two much desired Japanese ports, Shimoda and Hakodate for trade/coaling stations.
It also promised safety for shipwrecked American sailors in Japan.
The treaty ultimately triggered the end of Japan's 200 years of seclusion

Japan's perspective

Japanese drawings of Perry

"Last summer the American barbarians arrived in the Bay of Uraga with four warships, bearing their president's message. Their deportment and manner of expression were exceedingly arrogant, and the resulting insult of our national dignity was not small. Those who heard could only gnash their teeth."
-Sakuma Shozan, Japanese Scholar 1854

Japan took Perry's landing and demands an insult to their national pride. Many Japanese citizens wanted to ignore Perry or attack him rather than give into his demands.

Perry and his troops landing on Japanese soil

Perry's arrival was significant because it forced Japanese rulers to debate what to do about foreign diplomatic affairs. The Meiji Era was a consequence of Perry's arrival because by agreeing to Perry's demands the Japanese started international trade which resulted in the Meiji Restoration.

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