Born into a naval family in Rhode Island, USA.
He joined the US Navy.
He helped build and commanded a US Navy steam warship, earning the title "father of the steam navy".
He served in the Mexican–American War.
Made commander of the East India Squadron, he set out with a mission to open Japan.
He appeared at Uraga with four warships and delivered the president's letter demanding the opening of Japan; the dark hulls gave rise to the name "black ships".
Returning, he concluded the Treaty of Kanagawa, opening Shimoda and Hakodate.
The official narrative of his expedition was published.
He died in New York.
Tokugawa NariakiEgawa HidetatsuKawaji ToshiakiraFujita TokoSakuma ShōzanIi NaosukeYoshida TōyōIwase Tadanari
Ninomiya SontokuŌshio HeihachirōWatanabe KazanMizuno TadakuniPhilipp Franz von SieboldUtagawa HiroshigeUtagawa KuniyoshiTakashima Shūhan
People of the Edo period ・ People by period
Based on facts found in textbooks and biographies. Uncertain points are marked as such.