"It's the Though that Counts" Activity
In order to win over the Japanese, Perry depended not only on the strength of his fleet and negotiation skills but also on the presentation of gifts to his hosts. The Japanese reciprocated by giving the Commodore and his officers presents from the Emperor. Perry further attempted to extend diplomacy to the banquet table by hosting a gala dinner party for the Japanese on board his flagship, USS Powhatan. Each guest was encouraged to take home leftovers, as was the Japanese custom.
Below is a list of some of the gifts each nation presented to the other. Put a "J" next to the gifts presented by the Japanese and an "A" next to the ones presented by the Americans to the Japanese.
Lifeboats | Clocks |
Silk | Farm Tools |
Unusual sea shells | Telegraph wire |
Porcelain tea sets | Telescope |
Lacquer boxes and trays | Umbrellas |
Whiskey/wines | Jars of soy sauce |
Miniature railroad | Pistols/swords |
The cultures of Japan and the United States have changed since 1854. Think of the technology and resources of each country. Make a list of gifts that the two countries might exchange today. Draw a special gift you might [something missing here]