Commodore Matthew Perry

Commodore Matthew Perry was a key figure in American history, best known for his role in opening Japan to the West in the mid-19th century. In 1853, he led a naval expedition to Japan, arriving with a fleet of "black ships" to negotiate trade relations. His efforts ultimately led to the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, which marked Japan's departure from its isolationist policies and opened the door for foreign trade. Perry's actions significantly influenced U.S.-Japan relations and contributed to Japan's modernization in the years that followed.