“Free Trade” with Japan, Circa 1853

  “On July 8, 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States Navy, commanding a squadron of black-hulled frigate steamers, sailed into Edo (Tokyo) harbor. When the Japanese refused to allow the Americans come into the port, Perry threatened to fire on coastal cities. Perry ordered his ships to steam past Japanese lines towards the capital of Edo, and turn their guns towards the coasts of Japan. Perry refused Japanese demands to leave. Perry attempted to intimidate the Japanese by presenting them a white flag and a letter which told them that in case they chose to fight, the Americans would destroy them. Perry’s ships were equipped with new Paixhans shell guns, cannons capable of wreaking great explosive destruction with every shell. Perry, on behalf of the U.S. government, forced Japan to enter into trade with the United States. It was clear that Commodore Perry could impose his demands by force. The Japanese had no navy with which to defend themselves, and thus had to agree to the demands.” (excerpts from articles about the “black ships” of 1853) Be kind to the US military or the American government will teach you how free trade works.