- Who was Commodore Matthew Perry? What were his achievements before arriving in Japan?

Commodore Matthew Perry was a notable figure in American naval history. Born on April 10, 1794, in Newport, Rhode Island, he came from a long line of naval servicemen. His brother, Oliver Hazard Perry, was a hero of the War of 1812.

Perry began his naval career at the age of 15, serving in the War of 1812. He steadily rose through the ranks, becoming a Commodore - the highest rank in the U.S. Navy at the time - in 1853.

Before his famous expedition to Japan, Perry had a number of significant achievements. He played a key role in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), leading successful naval attacks on the Mexican cities of Tampico, Puebla, and Veracruz.

Perry was also instrumental in modernizing the U.S. Navy. He advocated for the use of steam power in naval ships, and oversaw the construction of the Navy's second steam frigate, the USS Fulton. He also helped establish the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and was a proponent of naval education and training.

In addition to his military achievements, Perry conducted several important diplomatic missions. He negotiated and signed the Treaty of Wanghia with China in 1844, which was the first treaty between China and the United States and marked a significant step in opening China to trade with the west.

However, Perry is perhaps best known for his expedition to Japan in 1853-1854, which ended Japan's policy of isolation and opened the country to trade with the United States and other Western nations. This mission, known as the Perry Expedition, was a major turning point in Japanese history and had far-reaching implications for the global balance of power.