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Relationship between america and japan 20th century
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Commodore Matthew Perry: American Black Ships in the Land of the Samurai
One hundred and fifty years ago, an American commodore was assigned by the American President to go to “the barbarian land.” The commodore’s name was Matthew Perry and the land was Japan (Walworth 18). He was curious enough to become interested in the mission, even though it was said that “the Japanese were the least interesting people in the world” at that time (Graff 63).
Japan had been closed to the outside world for 250 years. When foreign people entered Japanese waters, even if they were shipwrecked by accident, they were interned in jails and some of them were killed (Lubor 33). The reasons for the Japanese isolationistic policies were the military threats of Western countries and the invasive influence of Western people who brought Christianity and cultures different from the Japanese. Also the Japanese knew how Western military had dominated many countries, including the gigantic China so easily (Duus 56-57).
At that time, the United States saw that Japan might be ideally situated to serve as a coaling station for the new steam-powered ships of the U.S. Navy as well as a new opportunity for trading. Actually, during the Japanese isolation, many American ships hunting whales off the coast of Japan needed a port for supplies; however, Japan was cruel to sailors shipwrecked on its shores and not interested in any trade with foreigners (Lubor 33). That is why, Perry prepared for this expedition for a long time by gathering information and collecting the gifts for the Japanese to impress them (Walworth 23).
When Perry arrived at Uraga in Japan with five black ships in 1853, the Japanese did not welcome him and tried to force him to re...
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...tute of Navy and studied military technology. In 1868, a new government was established and made the first constitution refereed by Germany. Unfortunately, after this era, the Japanese started dominating other Asian countries just as the West did before. It was an ironical aspect of Perry’s opening pu of Japan to the world.
Works Cited
Duus, Peter. {The Rise of Modern Japan}. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin, 1976.
Fallows, James. "After Centuries of Japanese Isoation, a Fateful Meeting of East and West." {Smithsonian} July 1994: 20-33.
Friedrich, Otto. "How Japan Turned West." {Time} Aug. 1983: 37.
Graff, Henry F. {Bluejackets with Perry in Japan}. New York: New York Public Library, 1952.
Lubor, Steven. "Smithsonian Goes to Japan." {The Public Historian}. 1995. 33-45.
Walworth Arthur. {Black Ships Off Japan}. Hamden: Archon Books,1966.
This offended many other countries. In 1852, Matthew Perry was sent to Japan to negotiate open trade. Japan felt threatened by the United States, and gave in to their demands. Japan was frightened by their stipulations, and immediately began to reform. They developed a new education system that was similar to America and Europe’s.
Four warships of America’s East Asia Squadron anchored at Uraga, in the predawn hours of July 14, 1853. This is twenty-seven miles south of Japanese capital, also known as Edo (renamed Tokyo in 1868). A prominent scholar had recently warned of people who came from the earth’s “hindmost regions” were “incapable of doing good things,” to Japan. The recent Mexican Spanish-American War, Americans has sharpened his desire for taking advantage of his wealth and power for political and commercial benefit. For al...
Co. ISBN 0-929521-40-4. Dull, Paul S. (1978). "The Species of the World." A Battle History of the Imperial Japanese Navy (1941–1945).
With his abolish to slavery he managed to pass the torch to other civil rights fighters such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and because of him America saw its first black president, Barack Obama. If Lincoln never did abolish slavery in the united states, the world could have been a very different place. It's hard for us to believe now that we once treated blacks as inferior people. Our society is completely different then it was back in Lincoln’s time. Although if Lincoln never did abolish slavery when he did, someone most likely would have done so some time in the future, but racial separation would be that much farther
Pages 30-31 “The two young men had little in…the art contrived by Honolulu and Yokohama masters.”
Perry believed that "our people must naturally be drawn into the contest for empire." In 1852, he accepted command of the East India squadron in order to lead an expedition to Japan. The U.S. State Department directed him to negotiate a treaty of amity and commerce that would open Japan to relations in as full a range as possible. Perry prepared steadily for the formidable task of inducing Japan to negotiate a document favorable to the United States. In 1846, Japan had humiliated and expelled an American emissary, leading Perry to conclude that a resolute show of force would prove essential to the "opening" of Japan. He, therefore, shaped a small but powerful armada of four ships, including the steam-driven paddle wheelers Susquehanna and Mississippi.
23 .Roger Daniel, Prisoners Without Trial: Japanese Americans in the World War II 1993, Hill and Yang.
Abraham Lincoln was a very brave man. After the Civil War, he made a speech in front of the White House welcoming the southern states back into the Union. He also wanted everyone to have equal rights, even though people disagreed with him. He also ran for President even though he was against slavery. Many people disagreed with Lincoln, but he still won and was elected President and served 4 terms before his death in 1865.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it”. Abraham Lincoln, one of the most influential leaders of all time, quoted this. Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States. He was a man who would stop at nothing to do the right thing. Abraham achieved many extraordinary things through out his life. During his time as president Lincoln abolished slavery, supported the community by signing many acts, had many useful and great qualities and inspired many of us in a very positive way, which is why he should definitely be at the top of the most influential leaders of all time list.
Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the United States of America, was, some say, the greatest president so far in the history of the United States of America. President Lincoln was truly a great president. People remember him even if they don’t remember any of the other presidents. Lincoln has truly made a huge impact in the daily life of all the citizens even today. Now, I will talk about his childhood, his life before he was president, his life during presidency, and what impact he has had on the life now.
Abraham Lincoln was an important figure who rose from being an uneducated man, to becoming the 16th president of the United States. Abraham Lincoln is also known for his determination towards ending slavery. One of Abraham Lincoln’s political accomplishments was issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. Before his presidency, Lincoln was not that knowledgeable about the military because he never really had a proper education when he was small. However, Lincoln’s entire presidency basically took place during the war.
Abraham Lincoln served in many facets of the United States government and was also a respected lawyer in Illinois. He was best known for being elected as the 16th President of the United States of America. As president, Lincoln guided the United States through one of the worst times in American history, the Civil War. From the start of his political career, Lincoln was instrumental in his efforts and eventual success in ending slavery in America. He was known for his public speaking abilities and delivered some of the most popular speeches in United States history. He lived a successful life before the presidency, during the presidency, and up to the time of his tragic death. His life was cut short when he was assassinated in 1865 while still serving as President of the United States. Lincoln was revered as one of the greatest presidents in American history. Prior to becoming one of the most powerful men in the world, Lincoln grew up in a poverty-stricken family.
Abraham Lincoln is regarded by many Americans as the greatest president to ever hold office in the history of the United States, and his reputation is definitely well deserved. Lincoln wasn't scared to stand up and fight for what he knew was right. He was convinced that within the branches of government, the presidency alone was empowered not only to uphold the Constitution, but also to protect, and defend it. Lincoln was able to lead our country and preserve the Union, keeping the United States from splintering during the devastating times of the Civil War. As President, he built the Republican Party into a strong national organization, and he rallied most of the northern Democrats to the Union cause. On January 1, 1863, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation that changed the war into a battle for freedom and declared forever free those slaves within the Confederacy. That November, Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address, which stated how a country must be dedicated to human freedom in order to survive. He dedicated the battlefield to the soldiers who had perished, and called on the living to finish the task the dead soldiers had begun. (Donald, 1995) Lincoln believed that democracy could be a lasting form of government. He showed a nobility of character that had worldwide appeal, and he was a man of great integrity. However, Lincoln was not only the 16th president of the United States, he was an American hero. Lincoln was a well-rounded individual and he had numerous outstanding qualities. However, it is important to remember that Lincoln also led a private life, complete with close friends and family.
Abraham Lincoln has been depicted as a very gifted orator and noble leader of our country. He is often compared with Shakespeare, due to his ability to say amazingly profound words. He is a very important symbol of our country’s history. Lincoln definitely led an interesting life.
In conclusion, Abraham Lincoln was a great man and did many different wonderful things to the world. He had tragedy and happiness in his life, but we would always remember the day that Abraham Lincoln played a huge effect on the outcome of the Civil War and abolishing of slavery.