@@nowhereman6019 I'm not going to argue about whether or not it was worth it or "a good thing", but few countries have ever benifited so much from losing a war as the Japanese did in WWII. The US was determined not to have a repeat of the treaty of Versailles, and gave remarkably generous rebuilding aid to both West Germany and Japan.
Let's not forget Japan started that war, they were very much the agreessors, invading China and attacking basically all the nearby nations. (For years prior to ww2, they started the war first)
It's insane how quickly Japan developed after this. They beat Russia in the 1904 war a mere 51 years later, and the attack on Pearl Harbour was still within a century. Their naval technology caught up with the superpowers of the world in just a few decades.
Yeah, from being a backwards medieval country to being a world power. All the while maintaining control of their country. The exception to what typically played out in Colonialism.
Yeah and after getting the masculinity bombed from them they're now the center of robotics and the Mecca of cartoons for anti-social shut-ins everywhere
I always find it funny and flattering when Brits put on American accents. I'm so used to Americans acting fake British that it's a welcome and entertaining change of pace.
That line in Star Trek was inspired by something Captain Cook said: "I had ambition not only to go farther than any one had been before, but as far as it was possible for man to go" But yeah, the Commodore's line is more similar to the Star Trek line, and funnier too
I remember learning in a history class I took in Japan that american ships on their way to china needed to stop for supplies and repairs on their way, so they tried to stop at Japan. The Japanese just fired upon them at a couple of points along their coastline and damaged the ships further. Japan was very into isolationism and its people were ordered to fire on foreign ships i think. This was considered incredibly rude and aggressive since when international trade ships needed assistance it was customary for them to stop at civilized countries ports and resupply. This led to Perry's expedition and forcing Japan to allow ships in the pacific to stop at their ports. Its why Perry acted like such a dick and wouldnt take no for an answer. The guy who was teaching it had studied this stuff for decades and had info not found in conventional history books. That being said, its been years since I took his class so correct me if I'm wrong.
El Cid Gaming its confirmed fact. Japan even refused to take back shipwrecked Japanese sailors that had been rescued by foreign ships. Even after meeting with the captain and knowing why he was there. Perry interviewed several people who had failed to open negotaitions with Japan before and concluded that being as blunt as possible and refusing to take no for an answer where the only way to cut through the bullshit. Whether he was right or not we don’t know.
@@mrfunnyperson100 All true! I didnt know perry had interviewed those people, very interesting. Thank you for the info. I think he made the right call personally.
@@gbeepee9995 We don't really know. The Japanese government realized since the Opium Wars a few years ago that the Sankoku policy as-it-is wasn't long for the world, which is part of the reason they caved to Perry so easily. A large part of the Japanese governments reaction was more like "Finally. Now maybe the Conservatives will get a clue..." Many of said conservatives, of course, had a very different idea.
I love how this mainly boiled down to "Perry! We'd love you to have your request, but you need to do x" "...But I came here so x didn't need to happen." "I'm sorry bu-" "shhhh.... or I will send in the steamboat"
Fun fact . When the Japanese surrendered aboard the USS Missouri at the end of WW2. On a bulkhead they displayed the same Flag which was flown on Commodore Perry’s Flagship when he steamed in to Tokyo Bay.
The lucky flag. Supposedly my middle school has a flag flow on one of the ships from pearl harbor. Big ol thing displayed in the gym. Looks really dusty, dark and yellow.
@@StrickerRei-ChnYes and Gen. MacArthur and Jonathan Wainwright were on board for the ceremony, Wainwright was the commander of the Philippines garrison and was the commander at Bataan when the surrender of US forces took place April 1942
One of my ancestors was Ship's Surgeon on Commodore Perry's expedition. He was also the personal doctor of President James K. Polk. Thank you for this.
“Jeez, I’m seriously tired of waiting. Are you going to open up the country or what?” “You Americans are so pushy. We have our reasons you know.” “Yeah, like, whatever.”
your language is hegemonic. The japanese had every right to tell the american merchands to fuck off. Opening the country ?! A SOVEREIGN NATION can live in isolation if they choose to. This was violation of a nation. You are misdirecting the issue to be about "being pushy" that's a huge euphemism, violating a country's sovereignity is FAR more than being pushy, it's an act of war. This was not as easy as sending maranos christos conquistadors to slay all the native form of government and hope not to be caught by the inquisition.
@@goognamgoognw6637 when you say "Japanese" do you mean the Japanese feudal elites? Because Americans had every right to trade with Japanese people despite what their feudal lords wanted. Are you against free trade?
“上喜撰(蒸気船) たつた四はいて 夜るもねられす” “Only four cups of Jokisen brought sleepless nights.” A famous satirical poem was made at that time. Jokisen is a name of expensive tea but same pronunciation as steam boat.
Perry indirectly brought about the creation of the soda Ramune when he brought bottles of bottled Lemonade to Japan. Ramune is a Japanese bastardization of the English word Lemonade.
@@kirbysauce Yes, Britain leaned in favour of the Confederacy, but the ship carrying the Confederate envoy to the UK was sunk, if I recall. One thing I do remember reading of was that British attachés noted that Americans did not do bayonet charges, as their leaders believed that their men would be too fearful. This lead to higher casualties, as both sides just stood and blasted each other instead of just charging in, and either getting destroyed before reaching the opponent, or breaking the opponent's morale.
@@Jupiter__001_ It was kind of mixed - generally speaking, the wealthy supported the Confederacy because they didn't wan't to lose their supply of cotton. The poor on the other hand supported the Union because they didn't want to lose their supply of food.
@@Jupiter__001_ They weren't that big on bayonet charges because the rifles they used had about triple the effective range of those used in the Napoleonic era (which is how many in Europe still assumed wars were fought).
10:24 - The governor looks like one of those guys who, if he were an anime character, would either be a veteran warrior who gets cut down when the bad guy finally enacts his plan, or who would himself be a major villain character.
There’s a serious toned 1976 musical called “Pacific Overtures,” that revolves around Perry’s expedition to Japan if anyone is interested. It’s told from the hypothetical perspective of the Japanese and in the Kabuki style of theatre. The music and lyrics were composed from Broadway’s most legendary figure, *Stephen Sondheim* , and directed by equally as esteemed *Hal Prince*
The original Broadway production featured pretty much every well-known Asian-American actor of the time except George Takei (seriously, you name them, they were probably in it). Interestingly, the cast also featured legendary Marvel Comics writer and editor Larry Hama.
"You must deliver all messeges to the Japanese Government through the city of Nagasaki. I mean, you could try dropping it off in Hiroshima, but they'll probably make you continue on to Nagasaki, anyway." -some Japanese official
Dude literally just squatted in the bay like President Fillmore was going to kick his ass if he didn't make 100% sure that document wound up in the hands of the emperor.
If only Com. Perry had tried to open up the country through a much more peaceful and diplomatic manner Japan would likely not have seen the west as such a big threat to the point where they felt the immediate need to become a highly militant and aggressive country. And to that effect, it's quite possible that Japan's role during WWII (several decades later) could've been completely reversed; they could've been allies instead enemies. And "WWII" itself likely would've been referred to as just "The European War" as there would've been no fighting in East Asia during this time (besides the Chinese fighting their own civil war), just fighting in Europe only. And last but not least, we might not have even needed to build the A-bomb out of desperation. Could you even imagine the world today without weapons of mass destruction? Seeing it through this lens, Com. Perry messed up *BIG TIME.*
One of my first semester history books in college had the Japanese woodblock rendering of the arrival of Commador Perry and the Americans in Tokyo Bay as its front cover. It is one the few college books that I kept instead of selling, and I still have it to this day.
Really, when you are used to received pronunciation and you're trying to do a passable American accent, the secret is to just remember that "r" exists.
Man, I really appreciate that for every story of the past you read, you try to put a little bit of an accent, depending on where the writer is from. It really raises the quality of the stories you read. Keep it up!
alternate title "How the US Karened their way into trade with Japan" seriously this whole video is Perry going "Let me speak to the manager" then the Japanese go "we are the manager" and he's like "NO! THE manager!"
Ive seen your vids recommended s few times, but they never seemed interesting to me despite history being a passion and fascination of mine. Who knows why, because I was so so so wrong. This is amazing! Genuinely the delivery, content, and real 1st hand accounts blow my mind. Theres just something so special I feel. Thank you! :)
Colonialism was never really the end goal in itself, just the benefits it offered. That's why today advanced countries let their corporations siphon resources instead of expensive government occupations.
@@hoticeparty Are you joking the us have done and still are doing more damage world wide than the Britain ever did. The US don't even bother to colonise they just start coups then profit off the carnage at least the British left some sort of infrastructure when they colonised.
As an american I can tell you your American accent is pretty good. It doesn't sound modern if that was what you were going for. It sounds transalatic or new england. Which fits for this time period.
If you are reading off a script, you can just upload that text-file to youtube in the subtitles & CC section, and youtube will automatically process the text-file to figure out the timings.
Perry is the master of the Uno reverse card. Also I love the insight of the use of lying as a tool. Michael Crichton's Rising Sun deals with this. Although fictional, it is a really cool look at the shrewdness of the Japanese culture.
As I understand it, there was some cultural misunderstandings going on with this interpretation. Japanese diplomatic culture had different standards considering what conduct was honorable and polite. Flat-out refusing a request during a negotiation would be considered impolite, so a reason has to be given why such a request can not be honored. It's best if the reason given is outside of the negotiators powers so that the negotiator can not be blamed for it. Citing some law that may or may not exist is therefor a very convenient thing to do, so that neither party is insulted or lose face. However if in your diplomatic culture blatantly distorting the truth is considered impolite or dishonorable, there is going to be a culture clash. It seems to me that both sides here thought they were being very diplomatic and polite, and the other side was being very impolite, all due to a difference in the notion of proper diplomatic conduct.
@@dv7533 Very true, that is a great observation that I completely agree with. I don't really think either side was at fault, I mean the Americans were very blunt and brash to the point of being offensive as well. It's a dynamic that I find very fascinating and some aspects I feel carry over to today when dealing with foreign relations.
I think Perry had an insight on Japanese diplomacy and was probably briefed on some of the nuances. The fact that he understood lying to be part of that culture makes me think so.
You'll find that Perry had studied what little was available on the matter of Japanese politics. Whether his info was right or wrong, he took it seriously and acted according to best information that was available to him.
D V Exactly. The idea that ‘lying is part of their culture’ is very shaded and misleading, much like ‘the have a band of people trained to murder their enemies’ is a somewhat shaded way to refer to a country having an army. The sort of diplomatic falsehoods given weren’t considered lies by the Japanese any more than ‘It’s so good to see you’ would be when said to an unwanted arrival. Were we to be honest in that case ‘I don’t actually like you very much, Aunt, and I was going to watch sports on TV, go away’ it would be considered terribly rude. Japanese culture takes this even farther. Instead of ‘no,’ more often than not you’ll get ‘that’s an interesting idea, perhaps’. Which everyone understands to mean ‘no’.
More like good diplomacy under the conditions at the time. The Japanese were responsive to strength, which the commander managed to achieve without conflict.. so props to him
@@jazzycat8917 You're not too familiar with politics are you aussie girl? Their approach was very much in line with the Japanese culture at the time.. a samurai could literally execute a person on the street if they showed them disrespect. Display of strength is part of the culture
@@jazzycat8917 Welcome to history, not everyone is constantly looking out for each other, and each country holds itself above others in importance. Until the 20th century, practically every country was only working towards there own goals and none of them gave shits about other countries, only working cooperatively when it proved beneficial to themselves in some way or if forced to by treaty, and even then breaking treaties was far from uncommon. The only reason countries engage so nicveley now a days is 2 fold. 1. M.A.D., 2. They aren't helping each other out just to help each other out, the help always has an ulterior motive, whether that be trying to maintain a sphere of influence (NATO) or trying to secure resources (The reason the US is in the middle east), simply that democratic nations have learned that it's easier to do these conflicts in the shadows and pretend to be nice in public. Historically speaking, this event is peaceful and generous to the Japanese. Most other people/countries would have simply taken advantage of their technological superiority to exploit Japan (see China, Korea, and the New World)
So basically what you're telling me is America : " Japan open up the country stop having only the Dutch to get in. And actually see the country while other country leaders are only stuck at the docks. " Japan : " no you stay at the docks and like it we like the Dutch. " America : " oh okay " pulls out of gun to Japan's head. " So can we expect it to trade Now " Japan : " well shit "
Entertaining video! Thanks for uploading? Should I feel bad that I seem to be one of the only people taking note of someone yelling, in perfect English: "I speak Dutch!" to a boat full of Americans?
And now you know why Japan wanted to militarize very quickly. America set an example on how “modern“ countries do diplomacy. Japan even modeled after america’s manifest destiny and went after its neighbors.
A truly momentous moment in World History. Japan found the solution to western Imperialism, if you can't beat them, join them. As such Japan became the only non-western Imperialist country in the Age of Imperialism. What's more they went from being centuries behind technologically to defeating Russia in less than a half century.
As an American, good accent. The only word I caught was "bow", which would be pronounced "bow" like the action rather than "boh" like the garment. If someone told you it was pronounced "boh" in American, they were wrong, I only hear that in the circles of those who don't know anything about ships. This video was excellent, all the videos I've seen of yours are. I haven't subscribed to you yet simply because I keep meaning to do a proper comb of your channel, but rest assured I will subscribe as soon as I do. EDIT: Comma'd excellent.
Imagine the reverse history. A large fleet of WW2 vintage warships including the flag battleship Yamato sailing into 19th century Washington DC area making demands of the USA.
My ancestor is upper class samurai of the Tsugaru clan and part of the daimyō's family. One ancestor samurai was Kanjo bugyo(Finance commissioner) of the Tsugaru clan.I love Edo period's Japan.
Japan got a notification that was like Knock knock it’s the United States With huge boat and guns Gunboat Open up the country, stop having it be closed
Ever think of covering the Taiping Rebellion? Probably one of the most dramatic, fascinating and bizzarre series of events in the history of inter-relations between Western and East Asian cultures.
I wonder what the commodore thought might be the long term impact of the USA's relationship with Japan. From ally to enemy to back to being one of our greatest and most well respected allies.
The original purpose of the Black Ships was to show off their mighty power and silently obey them. It is said that many Asians were surprised and silently obeyed when the Black Ships arrived in Asian countries other than Japan. However, when the Black Ships arrived in Japan, few people were surprised, and it seems that many Japanese were interested in boarding the ship and observing every corner of the ship. Some of them tried to build their own large fleet while listening and taking notes. And the Americans were surprised to compare the attitudes of the Japanese with those of other Asian countries. Perhaps this hard-working attitude of the Japanese was the driving force behind the rise of the Japanese Empire.
and so when the emperor opened the letter he red as follows: x marks the spot give me liberty or give me coin give me liberty or give me coin give me liberty or give me coin give me liberty or give me coin give me liberty or give me coin give me liberty or give me coin where's that axe?
So, you have anything on East Asian’s perspectives (whether it’s China, Japan, or Korea) on Western modernization in the late-1800s to the very early-20th century? Like how they are amazed technological marvel of steam engines and electricity, and their surprise by their first taste of coffee.
The original purpose of the Black Ships was to show off their mighty power and silently obey them. It is said that many Asians were surprised and silently obeyed when the Black Ships arrived in Asian countries other than Japan. However, when the Black Ships arrived in Japan, few people were surprised, and it seems that many Japanese were interested in boarding the ship and observing every corner of the ship. Some of them tried to build their own large fleet while listening and taking notes. And the Americans were surprised to compare the attitudes of the Japanese with those of other Asian countries. Perhaps this hard-working attitude of the Japanese was the driving force behind the rise of the Japanese Empire.
@@channel-lh9kb Black Ships, I’ve heard of them. Big ships with rows of cannons but mostly transport good. Maybe the cultural psychology is different from the rest of their East Asian nations. I heard they are very curious given they live on an island. Plus, given their feudal nation back then, they probably saw the Westerners as an opportunity over the other Samurai clan. From what I heard or read, Macau started off as Portuguese settlement, not a colony like we know. Since the Ming Dynasty, the government allow Westerners to live and work in Macau, Hong Kong, and other port cities but with limited access and prohibited from traveling further mainland without government approval. So, Chinese government back then were very restrictive. Same with Korea but I don’t yet know at what extent. So each nations work differently. The Asian movies and shows (Chinese, Korean, or Japanese) interest me most is their Western interaction and their early modernization. It feels weird Asian people back they react with surprised even to something simple, like coffee, when we Asians today knows them as ordinary everyday things.
you know american school history doesn't really teach about Mathew Perry. We will teach about the war of independence, war of 1812, Industrial Revolution, civil-war, both world wars, and the cold war. its a shame really that it and other events are considered foot notes in american history classes.
Ironically within the next century America and Japan were at war, The same flag Matthew Perry flew was on the USS Missouri when the Japanese surrender at Tokyo bay took place September 2nd 1945.
