Why did Matthew Perry include a second letter in the gift to Japanese leaders?

a) to declare war on the Japanese

b) to make a subtle threat of force to the Japanese

c) to show that he disagreed with President Fillmore

d) to ask the Japanese to remain closed to all other countries

The correct answer is b) to make a subtle threat of force to the Japanese

Perry was willing to display the readiness of the U. S to use force so as to convince the Japanese authorities to accept the offer and open their ports as well as offer protection to stranded Americans

b) to make a subtle threat of force to the Japanese.

Explanation:

Matthew C. Perry was a commodore of the United States Navy who played a pivotal role in the opening up of Japan to the West. Perry engaged in this mission in 1852. His goal was to convince, or if necessary, force, the Japanese ports to open to American trade. This was motivated by several reasons, such as competition with Great Britain and France for influence in Asia, the doctrine of Manifest Destiny, imperialist interests and the desire to increase American wealth. Although Japan was initially reluctant, they eventually complied after several subtle threats of force.