Matthew Perry
A Commodore of the United States Navy
Real World Example
Matthew Perry was a U.S. Navy Commodore who played a crucial role in opening Japan to the Western world in the mid-1800s. In 1853-1854, he led a fleet of ships to Japan and used diplomacy and a show of force to convince Japan to sign the Treaty of Kanagawa. This event ended Japan's 220-year-old policy of isolation, leading to significant cultural and technological exchanges between the East and West. Perry's actions mattered because they marked the beginning of modern international relations and trade with Japan, influencing global commerce and politics. Today, his legacy affects us through the rich cultural exchange and cooperation between nations, seen in how Japanese technology and culture are part of everyday life, like the popularity of Japanese cars and anime worldwide.
