Japanese ports had been closed to all but a few traders for 265 years, isolating Japan from the West.

The United States hoped Japan would agree to open the ports of Shimoda and Hakodate, so America could replenish coal and other supplies, in addition to their interest in the Japanese markets.

Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry, negotiated for several months with Japanese officials, to achieve the opening of trade routes with Japan. On March 31, 1854 Japan and the United States signed the historic treaty.

On July 8, 1853 four black ships led by USS Powhatan and commanded by Commodore Matthew Perry, anchored at Edo (Tokyo) Bay and a new chapter in history began.