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Questions and Answers
What was the composition of Perry's fleet during the 1853 voyage?
How many guns did Perry's fleet have in total during the 1853 voyage?
What did Japanese artists depict Perry's black ships as?
What was one method used to conserve fuel on Perry's steamers?
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What was the nickname given to Perry's ships by the Japanese?
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What contributed to the perception of Perry's steam technology as a new era?
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What was a description used for Perry's oldest steamer, the Mississippi?
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What visual elements did Japanese artists incorporate to portray monstrosity in their depictions of Perry's ships?
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What likely influenced the Japanese perception of Perry's ships as 'black ships'?
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How did Perry's fleet change from 1853 to 1854?
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Which of these statements about Perry’s steamers is true?
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What does the depiction of Perry's ships in Japanese art suggest about cultural perceptions?
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What imagery was commonly used in Japanese prints of Perry's black ships?
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Before mechanization, what was a significant change Perry implemented in the U.S. Navy?
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What concept is conveyed through the imagery of the ship's stern in Japanese depictions?
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Which statement accurately reflects Perry's approach to naval warfare?
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What was the total number of vessels in Perry's fleet during his 1854 mission?
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Which vessel was noted for having impressive coal consumption during the 1854 mission?
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What emotion did Perry's expedition evoke in Western artworks according to the provided content?
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What aspect of Perry's steam-driven ships likely contributed to their portrayal as menacing in Japanese art?
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Which detail was notably included in Japanese depictions of Perry's black ships?
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How did Perry's role in mechanizing the U.S. Navy influence public perception?
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What did the term 'black ships' symbolize in Japan concerning Perry's fleet?
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What was the artistic portrayal of Perry's fleet meant to imply about their arrival?
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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!
