Question

What was Commodore Perry’s significant contribution to the beginning of Japan’s transformation?

Answer 1

Commodore Perry sailed to Japan's shores with a few American vessels. What he did was, he basically forced the Japanese government to sign trading treaties with the US (soon other European nations followed as well). This meant thta he basically opened the nation to foreign investment and influence. 

Answer 2

Answer: He opened Japan to the West.

Commodore Perry was a Commodore of the United States Navy. He participated in several wars, and played a leading role in the opening of Japan to the West with the Convention of Kanagawa.

The Convention of Kanagawa (1854) was the first treaty between the United States and Japan, then ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate. It opened the ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to American ships. It also established an American consul in Japan and precipitated other treaties with other Western powers.