Who arrived to open Japan to trade in 1854?

• A. Commodore Matthew Perry
• B. Admiral Grace Hopper
• C. Vasco da Gama
• D. James Cook

Answer: (A)

Opening Japan to trade in 1854 happened when Commodore Matthew Perry arrived with a fleet of steam-powered ships and used a firm mix of diplomacy and pressure to engage Japan after its long period of isolation. His expedition in Tokyo Bay demonstrated American technological power and willingness to negotiate, which led to the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854. This treaty opened two ports for American ships, established a framework for more regular contact, and signaled the end of Japan’s isolationist policy for the time being, setting the stage for further trade with Western powers.

For context, the other names refer to different historical moments: Vasco da Gama opened sea routes from Europe to India in the late 1400s, far earlier; James Cook explored and charted parts of the Pacific but did not open Japan to trade; Grace Hopper is a 20th-century computer scientist and navy officer with no relation to Japan’s 1854 opening.