When Perry returned to Japan in 1854, why did he bring more ships than he had in 1853? to convince the Japanese to negotiate to trade goods with the Japanese to train US sailors to navigate across the Pacific to transport a new US consul and other officials
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: to convince the Japanese to negotiate.
Commodore Matthew Perry’s return to Japan in 1854 with a larger fleet was a calculated move aimed at pressuring the Japanese to negotiate and open their ports for trade. Perry’s earlier visit in 1853 marked the first attempt by the United States to establish formal diplomatic and trade relations with Japan, a nation that had been isolated from much of the world for over 200 years under the Tokugawa shogunate’s sakoku (closed country) policy. At that time, Perry arrived with four ships, a modest display of force meant to signal both diplomatic intent and military capability. His proposal for trade and engagement was not immediately accepted by Japanese officials, who needed time to consider the unprecedented request to end Japan’s isolation.
When Perry returned in 1854, he brought an even larger fleet—consisting of seven warships—to reinforce the message that the U.S. was serious about its demands. The show of increased naval strength was intended to underscore the consequences Japan might face if it continued to refuse opening its ports. By doubling the fleet, Perry not only conveyed America’s commitment to establishing trade but also suggested that continued resistance could lead to conflict. This display of force played a psychological role in convincing the Japanese that negotiation was preferable to potential military confrontation.
The increased number of ships also exemplified the U.S. government’s growing interest in establishing a foothold in East Asia, aligning with broader Western expansionist and colonial ambitions. Perry’s strategy ultimately succeeded, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa, which granted the U.S. limited trading rights and established an American consulate in Japan. This agreement marked the beginning of Japan’s gradual opening to the West, setting in motion significant cultural, political, and economic transformations within the country.