Matthew Perry Expedition

In 1852, Commodore Matthew Perry received orders from President Millard Filmore to lead an expedition to Japan and open them to trade with the U.S and if possible, the rest of the world. Meanwhile, Tokugawa Leyoshi began supporting Dutch (western) learning and began seriously thinking about opening Japan. Filmore requested that Perry meet with Japan's leaders and attempt to open a diplomatic relationship along with establishing foreign trade. This included receiving the permission of U.S. vessels to secure coal and freshwater, along with the protection of shipwrecked American sailors and their cargos.

                                                         Ships from the 2nd Expedition, Housedivided, 2006

In 1853, Perry entered Japan with four ships. He requested to present a letter to the Emperor even though the Shogun was in charge (the U.S. did not know this), and was commanded to leave. In February 1854, he returned with eight ships, (about one-third of the U.S. Navy.) This was a trial and error expedition after failing the first time, but they eventually succeeded. Later, on March 31, Mathew Perry signed the treaty of Kanagawa which opened up Japan to trade with the United States and protected shipwrecked Americans.