Commodore Perry and the Opening of Japan: Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan, 1852-1854 - Softcover

Hawks, Francis L

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1845880269 ISBN 13: 9781845880262

Publisher: The History Press, 2005

Synopsis

On 31 March 1854, Commodore Matthew Perry signed the Treaty of Kanagawa on behalf of the United States government. This moment signalled the end of the ruling Shogunate's policy of isolationism, which had been in place since the early sixteenth century. Although foreign nations - the Portuguese, the British and the Spanish - had once traded there, the perceived threat from the spread of Christianity had led to Japan's borders being closed, a policy rigorously enforced by the Shogunate, who signified their resolve through systematic expulsion, detention and execution. Perry's success, however, contrived to open up what had once been 'the curiosity of Christendom' to the nations of the world.

Commodore Perry and the Opening of Japan is the official account of this historic expedition. Written in a fluent and engaging style, this first-hand report details the colourful minutiae of the voyage to 'terra incognita', while situating its enterprises and motivations within a wider social and cultural context.

About this title

About the Author

Francis L. Hawks was requested to compile the official narrative from the voluminous notes and diaries of the officers of the expeditions.

Edition details

• Publisher: The History Press
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1845880269
• ISBN 13: 9781845880262
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 512