Sunday, October 29, 2023
Biography of Matthew Perry:
Matthew Calbraith Perry (April 10, 1794 – March 4, 1858) was a Commodore of the United States Navy who played a significant role in opening Japan to the West in the mid-19th century.
Here's an overview of his biography:
Early Life:
Matthew Perry was born in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, into a prominent naval family. His father, Christopher Raymond Perry, was a naval captain during the American Revolutionary War. Matthew and his younger brother, Oliver Hazard Perry, both became naval officers.
Matthew Perry's Naval Career:
Perry entered the U.S. Navy at the age of 15 and steadily climbed the ranks. He served in various capacities, participating in the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War. He became a captain in 1837.
Opening Japan:
Perry's most significant achievement was his role in opening Japan to international trade. In 1852 and 1854, he led expeditions to Japan, presenting the Japanese authorities with a letter from U.S. President Millard Fillmore, urging Japan to establish diplomatic and trade relations with the United States.
Treaty of Kanagawa:
In 1854, Perry negotiated the Treaty of Kanagawa with Japan. This treaty marked the end of Japan's 200-year-old policy of national seclusion and established the first formal diplomatic relations between Japan and a Western country. The treaty allowed American ships to refuel and resupply at two Japanese ports, facilitating future trade.
Later Career and Legacy of Matthew Perry:
After his success in Japan, Perry served as the Commandant of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. He died on March 4, 1858, in New York City.
Perry's expeditions to Japan had a profound impact on the country, leading to the Meiji Restoration and the modernization of Japan. He is remembered as a key figure in U.S. naval history and for his role in shaping Japan's relationship with the Western world. The Perry-class guided-missile frigates in the U.S. Navy were named in his honor.