In the mid-19th century, a monumental shift in Japan’s relationship with the outside world occurred due to an American diplomatic mission led by Commodore Matthew C. Perry. President Millard Fillmore’s decision to send Perry to Japan was rooted in strategic, economic, and humanitarian interests. This article explores the reasons behind Fillmore’s mission, its historical context, and the lasting impact on Japan and U.S.-Japan relations.
The Context of the Mission
During the early 1850s, Japan was under the Tokugawa shogunate, a feudal government that enforced a policy of national isolation (sakoku). This policy restricted foreign trade to a few designated ports and banned diplomatic interactions with most nations. Meanwhile, the United States was expanding its global reach, driven by Manifest Destiny, economic ambitions, and the desire to secure favorable trade routes, particularly in Asia.
In 1851, President Millard Fillmore, recognizing Japan’s strategic importance, decided to approach Japan with the goal of opening its ports to American ships. Commodore Perry was chosen to lead the mission because of his naval experience and reputation for effective diplomacy backed by a strong show of force.
President Fillmore’s Objectives
President Fillmore articulated his rationale in a letter to the Emperor of Japan, which Perry delivered in 1853. The primary reasons Fillmore sent Perry to Japan can be summarized as follows:
- Facilitating Trade and Economic Expansion
Fillmore sought to establish trade relations with Japan, a country with significant resources and a geographically strategic location. As the U.S. expanded its influence in the Pacific, having access to Japanese ports was seen as vital for replenishing coal and supplies for American ships, particularly whaling vessels. - Ensuring Safe Passage for American Sailors
Fillmore expressed concern for the safety of American sailors who were shipwrecked near Japan. Under the isolationist policy, foreign sailors were often treated harshly or imprisoned. Establishing relations would ensure their humane treatment and safe return. - Expanding U.S. Influence in Asia
With European powers actively expanding their colonial and trading presence in Asia, Fillmore recognized the need for the U.S. to assert its influence in the region. Securing Japan as a partner or ally would strengthen America’s geopolitical position. - Promoting Mutual Benefits
Fillmore’s letter emphasized the potential benefits of cooperation, presenting the U.S. as a peaceful nation interested in mutually advantageous relations. This approach was aimed at reassuring Japanese leaders that America’s intentions were not imperialistic.
Commodore Perry’s Mission and Strategy
Commodore Perry arrived in Edo Bay (modern Tokyo Bay) in July 1853 with a fleet of “black ships,” a term the Japanese used to describe Western vessels powered by coal and steam. His display of modern naval technology and insistence on delivering President Fillmore’s letter underscored the seriousness of the mission.
Perry returned in 1854 to finalize negotiations, culminating in the Treaty of Kanagawa, which opened two Japanese ports to American ships, guaranteed the humane treatment of shipwrecked sailors, and allowed the establishment of a U.S. consulate in Japan.
The Impact of Fillmore’s Decision
The decision to send Perry to Japan marked the beginning of the end for Japan’s isolationist policy. It set the stage for Japan’s modernization and integration into the global economy during the Meiji Restoration (1868–1912). For the United States, the treaty expanded its trade networks and influence in Asia, contributing to its rise as a global power.
While Fillmore’s immediate objectives were modest, the long-term implications were profound. The mission demonstrated the effectiveness of a combination of diplomacy and strategic force in achieving foreign policy goals.
Conclusion
President Millard Fillmore sent Commodore Perry to Japan to secure trade opportunities, protect American sailors, and establish a foothold in Asia. This carefully calculated mission not only succeeded in achieving these goals but also reshaped the trajectory of Japanese history and U.S.-Japan relations. Today, the Perry expedition is remembered as a pivotal moment in the era of global diplomacy and international cooperation.