Perry's Ships and Their Impact

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Questions and Answers

What was the composition of Perry's fleet during the 1853 voyage?

Five steam-driven frigates and three sloops

Four steam-driven frigates with no sloops

Nine vessels including six sloops

Two steam-driven frigates and two sloops (correct)

How many guns did Perry's fleet have in total during the 1853 voyage?

45 guns

65 guns (correct)

85 guns

100 guns

What did Japanese artists depict Perry's black ships as?

Symbols of peace

Vehicles of righteousness

Messengers of the gods

Darkness Incarnate (correct)

What was one method used to conserve fuel on Perry's steamers?

Hoisting sails Signup and view all the answers

What was the nickname given to Perry's ships by the Japanese?

Black ships Signup and view all the answers

What contributed to the perception of Perry's steam technology as a new era?

The use of coal-burning engines Signup and view all the answers

What was a description used for Perry's oldest steamer, the Mississippi?

Iron earthquake Signup and view all the answers

What visual elements did Japanese artists incorporate to portray monstrosity in their depictions of Perry's ships?

Eyes, nose, and mouth of a monster Signup and view all the answers

What likely influenced the Japanese perception of Perry's ships as 'black ships'?

The color of their hulls or the smoke they produced Signup and view all the answers

How did Perry's fleet change from 1853 to 1854?

The crew size increased and more guns were added Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about Perry’s steamers is true?

They had sail hoisted for fuel conservation Signup and view all the answers

What does the depiction of Perry's ships in Japanese art suggest about cultural perceptions?

Westerners viewed themselves as saviors Signup and view all the answers

What imagery was commonly used in Japanese prints of Perry's black ships?

Dark, monstrous features and menacing elements Signup and view all the answers

Before mechanization, what was a significant change Perry implemented in the U.S. Navy?

Integration of steam technology Signup and view all the answers

What concept is conveyed through the imagery of the ship's stern in Japanese depictions?

It embodies the monstrous nature of invaders Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects Perry's approach to naval warfare?

He mechanized the navy and utilized steam power effectively Signup and view all the answers

What was the total number of vessels in Perry's fleet during his 1854 mission?

9 Signup and view all the answers

Which vessel was noted for having impressive coal consumption during the 1854 mission?

Mississippi Signup and view all the answers

What emotion did Perry's expedition evoke in Western artworks according to the provided content?

Paternalism towards the Orient Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Perry's steam-driven ships likely contributed to their portrayal as menacing in Japanese art?

The smoke from the funnels Signup and view all the answers

Which detail was notably included in Japanese depictions of Perry's black ships?

A leering monster as the figurehead Signup and view all the answers

How did Perry's role in mechanizing the U.S. Navy influence public perception?

It led to the belief in American superiority at sea. Signup and view all the answers

What did the term 'black ships' symbolize in Japan concerning Perry's fleet?

An omen of catastrophe Signup and view all the answers

What was the artistic portrayal of Perry's fleet meant to imply about their arrival?

An invasion of hostile forces Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Perry’s Ships

Perry’s fleet initially consisted of two steam-powered frigates and two sloops, carrying 65 guns and nearly 1,000 men
On his return in 1854, Perry's fleet had grown to nine vessels, including the flagship Powhatan
The crew size almost doubled to around 1,800, and the number of cannons exceeded 100
The ships were nicknamed "black ships" by the Japanese, likely due to their black hulls or the smoke from their coal-burning engines
Perry was instrumental in mechanizing the U.S. Navy, and the steam technology showcased the dawn of a new era
The Mississippi, launched in 1841, consumed 2,336 pounds of coal per hour, while the Susquehanna and Powhatan consumed 3,310 and 3,248 pounds, respectively
Steamers hoisted sails to conserve fuel

Artistic Depictions of the Ships

Western artists portrayed the expedition from the perspective of Westerners who believed they were saving the "savaged Orientals," often incorporating religious connotations
Japanese artists depicted the black ships as "Darkness Incarnate," often portraying them with monstrous features
Some Japanese artists incorporated demonic faces on the sterns of their vessels to ward off evil spirits
Perry strategically invited Japanese representatives to tour his flagship, resulting in some depictions of the ship's details

Symbolism of Ship’s Stern

The rendering of the stern of the vessel in Japanese art often depicted it as a monstrous face
This symbolism reflects the monstrous nature of Perry's arrival in the eyes of the Japanese
However, this symbolism may also be linked to the Asian tradition of placing demonic faces on the sterns of ships for protection.

Perry's Ships

Perry's fleet in 1853 consisted of two steam-driven frigates, the Mississippi and Susquehanna, and two sloops, with a total of 65 guns and 1,000 men.
In 1854, the fleet grew to nine vessels, including the flagship Powhatan, another paddle-wheel warship.
The crew almost doubled to 1,800 men, and the number of cannons increased to over 100.
The American vessels were known as "black ships" in Japan due to their dark hulls, or possibly the smoke from their coal-burning engines.
The steam technology of the ships was revolutionary and considered a new era in the world.
The Mississippi, launched in 1841, had "iron earthquakes" for engines.
The Mississippi consumed 2,336 pounds of coal per hour, while the Susquehanna and Powhatan consumed 3,310 and 3,248 pounds, respectively.
Perry's ships were depicted differently by Westerners and Japanese.

Western and Japanese Depictions

Western artists often depicted the ships and Perry's expedition as a symbol of Westerners rescuing the East.
Japanese artists depicted the ships as "Darkness Incarnate," emphasizing their fearsome appearance.
Japanese artists, particularly in prints, portrayed the ships with a dark hull, smoke belching from the funnel, a monstrous figurehead, stern portholes resembling eyes, and rows of cannons.
The stern of the ships was depicted as the eyes, nose, and mouth of a monster, reflecting the perceived monstrous nature of the Americans.

Other Interpretations

Asian seafarers often placed demonic faces on their ships' sterns to ward off evil spirits.
Perry's strategy included inviting Japanese representatives to tour his flagship, leading to some on-deck and below-deck depictions of the ships.

Perry's Black Ships

Perry's initial fleet consisted of two steam-powered frigates (Mississippi and Susquehanna) and two sloops, with a total of 65 guns and around 1,000 men.
On his return visit, Perry's fleet expanded to nine vessels, including the flagship Powhatan.
The crew nearly doubled to 1,800, and the number of cannons increased to over 100.
The ships were nicknamed "black ships" in Japan, likely due to their dark hulls or the smoke from their coal-burning engines.
Perry played a crucial role in modernizing the US Navy with steam technology, a significant change for the time.
The Mississippi, launched in 1841, had powerful engines described as "iron earthquakes."
The ships consumed a significant amount of coal, with the Mississippi using 2,336 pounds per hour and the Susquehanna and Powhatan burning even more.
All steam-powered ships utilized sails to conserve fuel.
Western artists depicted Perry's ships as symbols of Western power and salvation, often portraying them with religious connotations.
However, Japanese artists saw these ships in a very different light, portraying them as monstrous and dark.
In one famous print, the ship's hull is black, smoke billows from its funnel, and the figurehead resembles a monstrous creature.
The ship's stern is depicted as a demonic face in many Japanese prints.
It's important to consider that Asian seafarers often placed demonic faces on the sterns of their ships to ward off evil spirits.
To showcase his power and intimidate the Japanese, Perry allowed some of their representatives to explore his flagship, resulting in depictions of the ships' details.

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Description

Explore the evolution of Perry's fleet from two frigates to a powerful naval force of nine vessels. This quiz covers the technological advancements, crew expansions, and the artistic representations of Perry's expedition to Japan in 1854. Test your knowledge on history and naval technology!