US Navy
U.s. Navy Museum: Commodore Perry and the Opening of Japan
This lesson plan discusses the American initiative to open Japan to western trade. It also features a biography of Commodore Perry, an exploration of the Japanese class system, and various learning activities.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Timeline: Pearl Harbor: 1600s 1853: Black Ships Open Japan
An easy-to-understand site on the opening of Japan to the West via Commodore Perry and and the intimidating Black Ships.