'''Matthew Calbraith Perry''' was a U.S. naval officer who headed an expedition that forced [[Japan]] in 1853–54 to enter into trade and diplomatic relations with the West after more than two centuries of isolation. Through his efforts the United States became an equal power with Britain, France, and Russia in the economic exploitation of East Asia.
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[[Image:Perry.jpg|frame|right|Commodore Matthew Perry, Japanese painting c. 1853]]
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'''Matthew Calbraith Perry''' was a U.S. naval officer who headed an expedition to [[Japan]] in 1853–54 after several unarmed U.S. merchant ships were attacked by Japanese ships, under Shogunal orders to attack any approaching non-Dutch Western ships. He successfully made the [[Shogun]] agree to enter into trade and diplomatic relations with the West after more than two centuries of isolation. Through his efforts the United States became an equal power with Britain, France, and Russia in the economic exploitation of East Asia.