Perry Expedition

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
An 1854 Japanese print depicting the expedition

The Perry Expedition (

diplomatic relations and negotiation of trade agreements with various nations of the region. Opening contact with the government of Japan
was considered a top priority of the expedition, and was one of the key reasons for its inception.

The expedition was commanded by

America
.

Background

Commodore Matthew Perry

Growing commerce between America and

Western civilization and the Christian religion on what they perceived as backward Asian nations.[1]

By the early 19th century, the Japanese policy of isolation was increasingly under challenge. In 1844, Dutch King William II sent a letter urging Japan to end the isolation policy on its own before change would be forced from the outside.[2] Between 1790 and 1853, at least twenty-seven U.S. ships, including three warships, visited Japan, only to be turned away.

There were increased sightings and incursions of foreign ships into Japanese waters, and this led to considerable internal debate in Japan on how best to meet this potential threat to Japan's economic and political sovereignty. In May 1851, American Secretary of State Daniel Webster authorized Commodore John H. Aulick, commander of the American East India Squadron, to attempt to return seventeen shipwrecked Japanese sailors residing in San Francisco, which might provide the opportunity for opening commercial relations with Japan. On May 10, 1851, Webster drafted a letter addressed to the "Japanese Emperor" with assurances that the expedition had no religious purpose but was only to request "friendship and commerce" and supplies of coal needed by American ships en route to China.[3]

The letter also boasted of American expansion across the North American continent and its technical prowess and was signed by President Fillmore. However, Aulick became involved in a diplomatic row with a Brazilian diplomat and quarrels with the captain of his flagship, and was relieved of his command before he could undertake the Japan expedition.[4] His replacement, Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry, was a senior-ranking officer in the United States Navy, and had extensive diplomatic experience.

Preparation

Perry was well aware of the difficulties involved in attempting to establish relations with Japan and initially protested that he would prefer to command the Mediterranean Squadron of the U.S. Navy instead of being assigned to yet another attempt to open Japan, which he considered unlikely to succeed. Relevant precedents included:

In advance of his voyage, Perry read widely amongst available books about Japan. His research also included consultation with the renowned

Japanologist Philipp Franz von Siebold. Siebold spent eight years working, teaching, and studying at the isolated Dutch island-trading post of Dejima in Nagasaki harbour before returning to Leiden in the Netherlands.[7] Perry also demanded greater latitude in his orders from Webster, a demand the Secretary of State granted just before his death in October 1852. Perry thus sailed for Japan with "full and discretionary powers," including possible use of force if the Japanese tried to treat him as they had the unfortunate Commodore Biddle.[8] Perry also refused to allow any professional diplomats to accompany the expedition. He asked the German painter Wilhelm Heine and pioneer daguerreotype
photographer Eliphalet M. Brown Jr. to join the expedition as official artists. Agricultural specialist Dr. James Morrow was assigned by the US State Department. Several Japanese castaways were also taken on as unofficial interpreters.

The expedition was assigned the steam warships

Colt revolvers
.

First visit to Japan, 1852–1853

A Japanese woodblock print of Perry (center) and other high-ranking American seamen.

Perry chose the black-hulled paddle-wheeled Mississippi as his

Chinese-language translations of Perry's official letters, and rendezvoused with Plymouth and Saratoga. He continued to Shanghai (May 4–17), where he met with the Dutch-born American diplomat Anton L. C. Portman, who translated his official letters into the Dutch language
, and rendezvoused with Susquehanna.

Perry then switched his flag to Susquehanna and called on the

Ryukyu islands from May 17–26. Ignoring the claims of Satsuma Domain to the islands, as well as his own orders, he threatened and bluffed local authorities by threatening to attack with 200 troops unless he were allowed trading rights and land for a coaling station. Perry landed his Marines, whom he drilled on the beach for hours at a time, and demanded an audience with the Ryukyu King Shō Tai at Shuri Castle. Knowing that his every action would be reported to Japanese authorities in Edo, Perry carefully avoided meeting with low-ranked officials and made much use of military ceremony and shipboard hospitality to demonstrate both American military power and the peaceful intent of his expedition.[10] Perry left with promises that the islands would be completely open to trade with the United States. Continuing on the Ogasawara Islands
in mid-June, Perry met with the local inhabitants and even purchased a plot of land.

Threat of force and negotiation

Black Ship, from the Brooklyn Museum
.

Perry finally reached

Edo Bay in Japan on 8 July 1853. His fleet at this time consisted of four vessels: Susquehanna, Mississippi, Plymouth and Saratoga. As he arrived, Perry ordered his ships to steam past Japanese lines towards the capital of Edo, and position their guns towards the town of Uraga.[11] He also fired blank shots from his 73 cannons, which he claimed was in celebration of the American Independence Day. Perry's ships were equipped with new Paixhans shell guns, cannons capable of wreaking great explosive destruction with every shell.[12][13]

The American ships were almost surrounded by Japanese guard boats; however, Perry ordered that any attempt at boarding was to be repelled. One boat carried a large sign in French ordering the American fleet to depart immediately. On 9 July, a

Hori Tatsunosuke, rowed out to Susquehanna, but were at first refused permission to come on board. After some negotiation, they were permitted to board, where they displayed the order that no foreign ships were allowed into Japanese ports. Perry remained in his cabin and refused to meet them, sending word through his officers that as he carried a letter from the President of the United States, he would only deal with officials of sufficient stature and authority.[2]

On 10 July, yoriki Kayama Eizaemon, pretending to be the Uraga bugyō, called on Susquehanna and was allowed to meet Captain Franklin, whom he advised to travel to Nagasaki, as this was the designated port for all foreign contact. Kayama was told that unless a suitable official came to receive the document, Perry would land troops and march on Edo, to deliver the letter in person. Kayama asked for three days in order to respond. The actual Uraga bugyō, Ido Hiromichi, sent a report to the shōgun and advised that his defenses were totally inadequate to repel the Americans by force.[2]

In the meantime, Perry began a campaign of intimidation, by sending boats to survey the surrounding area, and threatened to use force if the Japanese guard boats around the American squadron did not disperse.[11] He also presented the Japanese with a white flag and a letter which told them that in case they chose combat, the Americans would necessarily vanquish them.[14][15]

The Japanese government was paralyzed due to the incapacitation by illness of

Yokosuka), where he was allowed to land on 14 July.[16]
Perry went ashore with considerable pomp, landing with 250 sailors and Marines in 15 ships’ boats after a 13-gun salute from Susquehanna. Major Zeilin's Marines presented arms, and a band played "
Hail Columbia". President Fillmore's letter was formally received by hatamoto Toda "Izu-no-kami" Ujiyoshi and by Ido "Iwami-no-kami" Hiromichi. Perry's squadron eventually departed on 17 July for the Chinese coast, promising to return for a reply.[17]

Odaiba battery at the entrance of Tokyo, built in 1853–54 to prevent an American incursion

After Perry's departure, an extensive debate ensued within the shogunal court on how to respond to the American's implied threats. Shōgun

daimyōs for their opinions. This was the first time that the Tokugawa shogunate had allowed its decision-making to be a matter of public debate, and had the unforeseen consequence of portraying the shogunate as weak and indecisive.[18]

The results of the poll also failed to provide Abe with an answer, as of the 61 known responses, 19 were in favor of accepting the American demands, and 19 were equally opposed. Of the remainder, 14 gave vague responses expressing concern of possible war, 7 suggested making temporary concessions and two advised that they would simply go along with whatever was decided.[19] The only universal recommendation was that steps be taken immediately to bolster Japan's coastal defenses. Fortifications were hurriedly built close to current day Odaiba in order to protect Edo from a subsequent American naval incursion.

Second visit to Japan, 1854

A miniature steam locomotive which was presented by the expedition and exhibited to great acclaim.

Although he had told the Japanese that he would return the following year, Perry soon learned that Russian admiral

Vice-Admiral Yevfimiy Putyatin had called in at Nagasaki shortly after he departed from Edo Bay, and had spent a month attempting to force the Japanese to sign a treaty before his return. He also was told by both the British and French that they intended to accompany him to Japan in the spring to ensure that the Americans did not obtain any exclusive privileges. Perry thus returned on 13 February 1854 with eight vessels and 1600 men. The fleet had lost Plymouth of the original four, and now also included: Lexington, Macedonian, Powhatan, Vandalia, and Southampton. Supply arrived loaded with coal and stores on 19 March, bringing the total strength to nine.[20]

By the time of Perry's return, the Tokugawa shogunate had decided to accept virtually all the demands in Fillmore's letter. However, negotiators procrastinated for weeks over the site for negotiations, with Perry insisting on Edo, and the Japanese offering various other locations. Perry eventually lost his temper and threatened to bring 100 ships (more than the actual size of the US Navy at the time) within 20 days to war on Japan. Both sides eventually compromised on the tiny village of Yokohama, where a purpose-built hall was erected. Perry landed on 8 March with 500 sailors and Marines in 27 ships' boats, with three bands playing "The Star-Spangled Banner."[21]

Three weeks of negotiation ensued, accompanied by diplomatic gestures such as the exchange of state gifts. The Americans presented the Japanese with a miniature steam locomotive, a telegraph apparatus, various agricultural tools, and small arms, as well as one hundred gallons of whiskey, clocks, stoves, and books about the United States. The Japanese responded with gold-lacquered furniture and boxes, bronze ornaments, silk and brocade garments, porcelain goblets, and upon learning of Perry's personal hobby, a collection of seashells. Cultural displays were also performed on both sides, with the American sailors aboard the Powhatan putting on a minstrel show, while a number of high-ranking sumo wrestlers performed feats of strength and held exhibition matches.[21]

Finally, on 31 March, Perry signed the Convention of Kanagawa which opened the ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to American ships, provided for care of shipwrecked sailors, and the establishment of an American consulate in Shimoda.[22] The treaty was signed on the Japanese side by Hayashi Akira. Perry then dispatched the Saratoga home with the signed treaty, while the rest of the squadron went to survey Hakodate, Shimoda and the site of the future consulate. After departing from Shimoda, the fleet returned to the Ryukyu Islands, where Perry swiftly drafted the "Compact between the United States and the Ryukyu Kingdom," which was formally signed on 11 July 1854.

Return to the United States, 1855

A bust of Matthew Perry in Shimoda, Shizuoka.

After Perry returned to the United States in 1855,

rear-admiral on the retired list (when his health began to fail) as a reward for his services.[24] He was known to have suffered severe arthritis that left him in frequent pain, that on occasion prevented him from fulfilling his duties.[25]

Perry spent his last years preparing for publication of his account of the Japan expedition, announcing its completion on 28 December 1857. Two days later he was detached from his last post, an assignment to the Naval Efficiency Board. He died awaiting further orders on 4 March 1858 in New York City, of rheumatism that had spread to the heart, compounded by complications of gout.[26]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ W. G. Beasley, The Meiji Restoration, p. 88.
  2. ^ a b c W. G. Beasley, The Meiji Restoration, p. 78
  3. ^ "Aulick, John H. (ca. 1791–1873)". www.encyclopediavirginia.org. Retrieved Jul 12, 2020.
  4. ^ "Aulick, John H. (ca. 1791–1873)". www.encyclopediavirginia.org. Retrieved Jul 12, 2020.
  5. ^ Sewell, pp. xxxiv–xxxv, xlix, lvi.
  6. ^ English Wikipedia on Preble Logbook
  7. ^ Sewall, p. xxxviii.
  8. ^ J. W. Hall, Japan, p. 207.
  9. ISBN 978-0-8018-9659-0
    .
  10. ISBN 9781317813347
    .
  11. ^
    ISBN 9781903350133
    . Retrieved Jul 12, 2020 – via Google Books.
  12. ISBN 9780813509310
    . Retrieved 2015-03-09 – via Google Books.
  13. ISBN 9781443728508
    – via Google Books.
  14. ^ "Among the items presented to the Japanese were a white flag and a letter from Perry. The letter attempted to intimidate Japanese officials by explaining that in the event the Japanese elected war rather than negotiation, they could use the white flag to sue for peace, since victory would naturally belong to the Americans"Matthew Calbraith Perry: antebellum sailor and diplomat by John H. Schroeder p. 286 Note 44
  15. ^ The economic aspects of the history of the civilization of Japan Yosaburō Takekoshi pp. 285–286 [1]
  16. ^ "Perry Ceremony Today; Japanese and U. S. Officials to Mark 100th Anniversary". The New York Times, July 14, 1953
  17. ^ Sewall, pp. 183–195.
  18. ^ J. W. Hall, Japan, p. 211.
  19. ^ W. G. Beasley, The Meiji Restoration, s. 90–95.
  20. ^ Hawks, p. 401
  21. ^ a b Hawks, p. 431, 438
  22. ^ Sewall, pp. 243–264.
  23. ISBN 978-1-59114-054-2
    .
  24. ^ Sewall, p. lxxxvii.
  25. ^ "Commodore Perry's Expedition to Japan". Ben Griffiths 2005. Retrieved September 12, 2009.
  26. ^ Morison, Samuel Eliot. (1967). 'Old Bruin' Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry p. 431.

References

volume 1, volume 2, volume 3, volume 4 at the Internet Archive
  • Houchins, Chang-su. (1995). Artifacts of diplomacy: Smithsonian collections from Commodore Matthew Perry's Japan Expedition (1853–1854). Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press.
  • Morison, Samuel Eliot. (1967). Old Bruin: Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry, 1796–1858. Boston: Little, Brown and Company.
  • Morrow, James, and Allan B. Cole. (1947). A Scientist with Perry in Japan : the Journal of Dr. James Morrow. Edited by Allan B. Cole. Chapel Hill: the University of North Carolina Press.
  • Schroeder, John. (2001). Matthew Calbraith Perry. Naval Institute Press.
  • Sewall, John S. (1905). The Logbook of the Captain's Clerk: Adventures in the China Seas, Bangor, Maine: Chas H. Glass & Co. [reprint by Chicago: R.R. Donnelly & Sons, 1995]
    ISBN 054820912X
    .

Further reading

Primary sources

  • Hones, Sheila, and Yasuo Endo. "History, distance and text: narratives of the 1853–1854 Perry expedition to Japan." Journal of Historical Geography 32.3 (2006): 563–578.
  • Macleod, Julia H., et al. "Three Letters Relating to the Perry Expedition to Japan." Huntington Library Quarterly (1943): 228–237. online
  • Perry, Matthew Calbraith, and Robert Tomes. The Americans in Japan: an abridgment of the Government narrative of the US expedition to Japan, under Commodore Perry (D. Appleton & Company, 1857) online.
  • Williams, Samuel Wells. A journal of the Perry Expedition to Japan (1853–1854) (Kelly & Walsh, 1910). online

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Perry_Expedition&oldid=1207973693"