Unit 3

From Isolation to Adaptation

Lesson 1

What factors motivated Japan's decision to end its isolation?

Japan was put in the position of having to end its isolation by the acts of other nations, especially America. America presented Japan with an ultimatum that Japan was not prepared to refuse.

Watch

When Commodore Perry arrived in Japan, he was carrying a letter from the American president, Millard Fillmore.

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In this letter, the president asked the government of Japan to trade, to protect American shipwrecked sailors, and for the right to buy coal for its ships.

Click the link to watch the video, The Man who Unlocked Japan to learn about Commodore Perry’s landing in Japan.