The Legacy of Matthew C. Perry In 1890, Alfred Thayer Mahan urged the United States to “look outward and not inward.” 'internal. The country's production demands it" (4). As a senior enlisted leader, it is of the utmost importance to keep alive the history, heritage and traditions of all branches of the service, because defining the past provides the blueprint for the future of the military service. This article will describe the history of Matthew C. Perry's exploits in Japan and discuss his impact. History Commodore Matthew C. Perry achieved much fame and distinction during his 50 years of service in the United States Navy. He fought in multiple campaigns against Barbary pirates off the coast of Algeria, commanded squadrons in attempts to end the African slave trade and during Mexico's war with Veracruz(8). He was the loudest voice and driving force behind the Navy's transition from wind-powered to steam-powered ships, earning him the nickname "the father of the steam Navy" (10). Throughout the fleet his reputation as a strict disciplinarian with a genuine concern for the welfare of all those under his command was well received. His greatest success, however, would not come from innovations in naval technology, command of men and ships, or major battles won. In 1635, the Tokugawa Edicts isolated Japan from the rest of the world fearing that foreign influence would lead to attempts by a foreign nation to invade and conquer Japan (1). In the late 1800s, the United States attempted to secure diplomatic relations with Japan. All attempts failed miserably. In 1852, President Millard Fillmore recruited Perry to secure a diplomatic partnership with Japan and gave him command of the East India Square... center of the card... the United States and Japan are, without a doubt, the cornerstone of peace, stability and prosperity throughout Asia Pacific”. Secretary of State John Kerry.Works Cited1 http://users.wfu.edu/watts/w03_Japancl.html2 http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/japansur/js-8.htm3 http://www.biography.com/people/matthew-c-perry-401844 http://amhistory.si.edu/militaryhistory/printable/section.asp?id=75 http://afe.easia.columbia. edu/timelines/japan_modern_timeline.htm6 http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq66-1.htm7 http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Matthew_C._Perry8 http://www.history.navy .mil/branches/teach/pearl/kanagawa/friends4.htm9 http://www.history.navy.mil/bios/perry_mc.htm10 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/teach/ends/perrybio .htm11 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/teach/ends/opening.htm12 http://www.c7f.navy.mil/about.htm