I have directed Commodore Perry to assure your imperial majesty that I entertain the kindest feelings towards your majesty’s per
son and government, and that I have no other object in sending him to Japan but to propose to your imperial majesty that the United States and Japan should live in friendship and have commercial intercourse with each other . . . We know that the ancient laws of your imperial majesty’s government do not allow of foreign trade, except with the Chinese and the Dutch; but as the state of the world changes and new governments are formed, it seems to be wise, from time to time, to make new laws.
–President Millard Fillmore,
1853
According to President Fillmore, why did he send Commodore Perry to Japan?
A.) to reestablish foreign relations and to improve trade
B.) to learn about and understand Japan’s laws and culture
C.) to help Japan improve its government and modernize its culture
D.) to help the Chinese and Dutch gain trading rights in Japan.
