By all accounts Commodore Matthew Perry was a man of his time: forceful, expedient and with little flexibility when it came to the interests of the United States. Having somewhat insulted the Okinawans with his imperiousness and demands for trading rights, Perry's 'Black Ships' arrived in Uraga harbour near modern-day Tokyo in 1852. The Japanese, having narrowly avoided a naval bombardment by Perry's fleet, agreed to terms of trade. Thus the next chapter in Japan's history saw the rush to industrialisation and modernisation. In short Japan, having witnessed the awesome power of the western nations, set itself the goal of becoming a world power with the means to hold its own in a world of strength and empire.
Great Britain in particular forged a strong partnership with the new Japan and, as William Adams before them, envoys to the country were full of admiration for the native sense of order, progress, efficiency and reliability. Perhaps in the Japanese the British saw themselves, an island nation of long traditions, strength of character, a dominating force and indomitable spirit.
Japanese aspirations grew in measure with the changing situation and, reminded of the ever present threat of foreign intervention after war with Russia in the first part of the twentieth century, a small militant nationalist minority began influencing decisions. Japan, so poor in oil and rubber began to look abroad for possible sources of sustenance. Foolhardy western nations refused to sign a clause of 'racial equality' within the League of Nations in the 1920s thus fuelling popular speculation that Japan was seen as yet another inferior 'yellow' people by a majority of world powers.
The 1930s set precedents for the emerging empire in terms of aggression, expansion and brutality. Military officers, gaining in confidence over their civilian masters, contrived the conflict of Manchuria that led to the infamous 'rape of Nanking' in which some 400,000 were executed or otherwise murdered.
Holding the border against Russian encroachment and providing resources for the homeland, Manchuria became vital to Japan's interests. For the United States however, Japans' growing strength became a cause for serious concern. The United States decided to exert some pressure on Japan by reconsidering supplies of exports including oil, so vital for the engine of growth.
What was proud, fierce Japan to do? Yield to American pressure and become weakened?Allow the Russians to contemplate revenge for honour and recovery of territory? Suffer the intolerable loss of face? Or strike to seize valued resources, defend national pride and neutralise threats?
