Black Ships

"Black Ships" refers to the Japanese term "Kurobune," which describes Western ships that arrived in Japan during the mid-19th century, particularly those from America and Europe. These ships were significant because they marked the end of Japan's isolationist policy after 200 years of self-imposed seclusion. The most notable event was Commodore Matthew Perry's expedition in 1853, which compelled Japan to open its ports to foreign trade. This interaction led to major societal and political changes in Japan, ultimately contributing to its modernization and emergence as a global power in the 20th century.