Critical Thinking Decision #1: The Arrival of Americans in 1853
Beginning in the early 19th century, Westerners tried to convince the Japanese to open their ports to trade. British, French, Russian, and
American officials occasionally anchored off the Japanese coast. Like China, however, Japan repeatedly refused to receive them. Then, in
1853, U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry took four ships into what is now Tokyo Harbor. These massive black wooden ships powered by steam
astounded the Japanese. The ships' cannons also shocked them. The Tokugawa shogun realized he had no choice but to receive Perry and the
letter Perry had brought from U.S. president Millard Fillmore. Fillmore's letter politely asked the shogun to allow free trade between the
United States and Japan. Perry delivered it with a threat, however. He would come back with a larger fleet in a year to receive Japan's reply.
What should the Japanese do?
LA. Continue to reject America's demand for trade and maintain isolation from Western powers
_B. Prepare samurai warriors for war when the Americans return in 1854
C. Realize Japan is overpowered and accept America's trade request
D. Seek China's advice on how to resist imperialists and form an alliance with other Asian nations
Explain why:
