Commodore Perry’s Journey to Japan

After the conclusion of the contend of 1812 and prior to the Civil War, the joined States navy entered into a peacetime role. Initi altogethery, this role was to protect commerce handicraft in both inland and international waterways. However, that role was soon expanded upon with Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perrys journey to Japan. The journey had its fast impact, including the subscribe of a comprehensive treaty that established trade relations with Japan and provided protection for sailors and their ships. Perrys expedition in any case had the impact of serving as a precursor for the change in what the Navys responsibilities encompassed, which even carry on to the present day Navy. Commodore Perry left for Japan with the objectives of opening up Japanese ports to trade and ensuring American bearing and protection in East Asia. These terms were outlined in detailed instructions from the Secretary of the Navy John P. Kennedy, diplomatical instructions from the State Department, and a permitter from President Millard Fillmore to the Emperor of Japan2 that Perry carried with him on his voyage.From beginning to end Perrys voyage spanned ix months and was filled with trials and tribulations. The Japanese were initially turned off to the idea of Americans entering their country, and would not even let them step on land. Only double did Perry and his squadron come ashore in the nine months prior to the signing of the official treaty. Most of the negotiations took place upon various ships in Perrys control and the meetings were often difficult to coordinate.Based on notes from Perrys personal ledger, these complications often lead to frustration and Perry was constantly considering employing whole force that he was minded(p) to use if he deemed it necessary to achieve his goals. 3 However, this was ultimately unnecessary, and Perry did well to remind himself that his voyage was diplomatic and pacific in nature. The negotiations were an arduous process and Pe rry even left Japan returning later with twice as many ships, anticipating a struggle. This was unnecessary as the Japanese agreed to Perrys desires and the melanize ships aphorism no combat.With the agreement of the Japanese the Treaty of Kanagawa was drafted and subsequently signed on 31 March 1854. This treaty allowed for a U. S. consul to be created at Shimoda, and allowed access to the ports of Hakodate and Shimoda for the purpose of obtaining wood, water, provisions, and coal, and other articles their necessities may require. The treaty also required that whenever ships of the United States are thrown or wrecked on the coast of Japan, the Japanese vessels will attend to them, and carry their crews to Shimoda. Thirdly, men staying in Shimoda and Hakodate, or any seamen shipwrecked shall be free and shall not be able torestrictions and confinement. 4Although there was not a formal agreement on trade in these open ports, Perry false correctly that with an American presence in port, trade would come naturally. 5 The initial impact of Perrys expedition and the treaty with Japan gave the United States Navy many new roles and an international presence on the high seas. Japan had been a country focused on isolationism for centuries. This isolationism is mainly connected to the zeal of beforehand(predicate) military commissionaries who traveled to Japan.The United States was able to avert this conflict in values by Commodore Perrys instantly statement to the Japanese leadership that the United States government does not interfere with the religion of its own people, practically less with that of other nations. 6 Several attempts were made to open Japan to American trade, barely all had failed. One such failure was that of Commodore pack Biddle, which proved to be a complete embarrassment for the United States, as he made several mistakes in his conduct and on top of it all mandatory to be towed out of port by a Japanese ship. The fact that Commodore Perry was successful in his mission changed the status quo in regards to what the United States Navy could and could not do. Perry proved that the United States was capable of having a previous presence in foreign lands and was able to establish international trade in East Asia. The proof of commercial relations with Japan furthered the Navys responsibility in protecting trade. Perrys exploits also showed that diplomacy was a possible way for the United States to establish influence in other countries.Thirdly, Perry and his black ships were the first sign of American deterrence. The fact that American ships were off the coast of Japan ready to sharpshoot an underprepared country made it very difficult for the Japanese to negotiate anything in their favor or assimilate any tactical or strategic decisions to remove the threat of Perrys force. The roles of the Navy that Commodore Perry established in the mid-nineteenth century are still prevalent in the present day.The idea of the Navy as a protector of commerce (although established before Perry, he was instrumental in expanding the Navys prevalence in ensuring safe trade) continues into the present day. An example of this would be ships stationed in the Mediterranean Sea. This area, specifically around the fling of Hormuz is crucial to trade in the Middle East. The presence of the United States Navy maintains a safe trading environment between the United States and its allies, and other countries in the region.Commodore Perry also introduced the idea of deterrence, which is crucial in the operations of the Navy in todays world. One example of American deterrence is the use of submarines, furnished with nuclear war heads and ballistic missiles, which are virtually invisible to our enemies. Perry also proved that diplomacy was a very potent way to establish influence in foreign countries and maintain a presence without force. This is also seen in the United States establishment of embassies in foreign coun tries and the use of diplomats to negotiate with foreign countries.Commodore Perrys expedition to Japan had a tremendous impact on the United States at the time it occurred, but it also had an everlasting impact on how the Navy operates and what roles and responsibilities it chooses to take on. Notes 1. Walworth, Arthur. Black ships off Japan the fib of Commodore Perrys expedition 242. New York A. A. Knopf, 1946. 2. Bradford, James C. Quarterdeck and bridge two centuries of American naval leaders 115. Annapolis, MD nautical Institute Press, 1997. 3. Perry, Matthew Calbraith, and Roger Pineau.The Japan Expedition, 1852-1854 the personal journal of Commodore Matthew C. Perry 157. Washington Smithsonian Institution Press, 1968. 4. Barrows, Edward Morley. The great commodore the exploits of Matthew Calbraith Perry 365. Indianapolis The Bobbs-Merrill Co, 1935. 5. Anderson, David. Perry, Matthew Calbraith. American subject area Biography Online Feb. 2000 (accessed October 2, 2012). 6. W alworth, Arthur. Black ships off Japan. 243. 7. Bradford, James C. Quarterdeck and Bridge. 113. Bibliography Anderson, David. Perry, Matthew Calbraith. American National Biography Online Feb. 000 (accessed October 2, 2012). Barrows, Edward Morley. The great commodore the exploits of Matthew Calbraith Perry 365. Indianapolis The Bobbs-Merrill Co, 1935. Bradford, James C. Quarterdeck and bridge two centuries of American naval leaders. Annapolis, MD Naval Institute Press, 1997. Perry, Matthew Calbraith, and Roger Pineau. The Japan Expedition, 1852-1854 the personal journal of Commodore Matthew C. Perry 157. Washington Smithsonian Institution Press, 1968. Walworth, Arthur. Black ships off Japan the story of Commodore Perrys expedition. New York A. A. Knopf, 1946.