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Ships of Commodore Perrys American expedition to Japan of 1852-1854
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Ships of Commodore Perrys American expedition to Japan of 1852-1854
Ships of Commodore Perrys American expedition to Japan of 1852-1854. American naval officer Matthew Perry (1794-1858) was ordered by President Millard Fillmore to command an expedition to Japan to open diplomatic relations with the USA and secure them first trading rights. Prior to Perrys visit, Japan was closed to the West with the exception of very limited trade with the Netherlands. Suspecting that the isolationist Japanese would rebuff the American approach unless backed up by a threat of military force, Perry sailed into Tokyos Uraga Harbour with a squadron of four steam frigates. The Japanese agreed to open diplomatic and trade links with the USA, but the American black ships came to be seen, and resented by many Japanese, as symbols of threatening Western technology and colonialism
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Media ID 14848108
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
Commodore Perry East Meets West Frigate Gunboat Diplomacy Matthew Matthew Perry Perry Steamship Wash Ann Ronan Pictures Metaphor Warship
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the historic moment of Commodore Perry's American expedition to Japan in 1852-1854. Led by American naval officer Matthew Perry, this mission was a pivotal event that opened diplomatic relations between the United States and Japan, ultimately securing valuable trading rights. Prior to Perry's arrival, Japan had remained closed off from the Western world, with limited trade only allowed with the Netherlands. Recognizing the need for a show of force to persuade isolationist Japan, Perry sailed into Tokyos Uraga Harbour with a formidable squadron of four steam frigates known as the "black ships". While successful in its objective, this image symbolizes more than just diplomacy and trade. The imposing presence of these Western warships represented not only advanced technology but also colonialism - an idea resented by many Japanese at that time. Intricately captured through ink wash techniques and vibrant colors, this print beautifully depicts East meeting West on the waters of Uraga Harbour. It serves as a metaphorical representation of gunboat diplomacy and transportation during the 19th century. Created by Anon (creator) and featuring Matthew Perry himself, this print from Heritage Images offers viewers a glimpse into an important chapter in history when two nations embarked on a journey towards mutual understanding and cooperation.
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