Definition

Proper noun: - Matthew Calbraith Perry: A United States Navy officer and diplomat. He is historically significant for commanding a naval expedition to Japan in 1853-1854, which resulted in the Convention of Kanagawa. This treaty ended Japan's over 200-year period of isolation and established formal trade relations between the United States and Japan. He was the younger brother of another notable naval officer, Oliver Hazard Perry.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry is a key figure in the history of U.S.-Japan relations.
  • The mission led by Matthew Calbraith Perry involved a fleet of American warships known as the "Black Ships."
  • Historians study the tactics and diplomacy of Matthew Calbraith Perry during the opening of Japan.

Advanced Usage

• "The Perry Expedition": This term refers specifically to the naval and diplomatic mission commanded by Matthew Calbraith Perry to Japan.

  • The Perry Expedition marked a turning point in Japanese foreign policy.

• "Perry's Black Ships": A historical reference to the steam-powered warships under Perry's command, which were instrumental in demonstrating American technological power to Japan.

  • The arrival of Perry's Black Ships in Edo Bay caused considerable alarm in Japan.

Variants and Related Words

• Commodore Perry: A common shorthand title used to refer to Matthew Calbraith Perry, referencing his rank at the time of the expedition.
  • Commodore Perry presented the letter from President Fillmore to Japanese officials.

Synonyms

• Naval commander
• Diplomat
• Expedition leader

Note: As a proper noun referring to a specific historical figure, there are no true synonyms. These terms describe his roles.

Noun

1. United States admiral who led a naval expedition to Japan and signed a treaty in 1854 opening up trade relations between United States and Japan; brother of Oliver Hazard Perry (1794-1858)