Matthew Perry
A Commodore of the United States Navy
Real World Example
Matthew Perry was a Commodore of the United States Navy who played a crucial role in opening Japan to the Western world in the mid-1800s. In 1853, he led a fleet of ships to Japan, using a show of force to persuade the Japanese government to sign the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, which established trade relations. This event marked the end of Japan's 200-year policy of isolation and started its journey toward modernization. Perry's actions matter because they helped integrate Japan into the global economy, leading to significant cultural and technological exchanges. Today, his legacy is evident in the strong economic and technological ties between the U.S. and Japan, such as the widespread use of Japanese technology in American households, like popular car brands and electronics, inspiring innovation and cross-cultural collaboration.
