When the United States and demanded a treaty permitting trade and the opening of Japanese ports to U.S. merchant ships. This was the era when all Western powers were seeking to open new markets for their manufactured goods abroad. (dec 28, 1853 – feb 2, 1858)
Description:
http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/special/japan_1750_perry.htmAdded to timeline:
Date:
dec 28, 1853
feb 2, 1858
~ 4 years