Voting Station

Commodore Matthew Perry

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Military Personnel

The Resume

    (April 10, 1794-March 4, 1858)
    Born in Newport, Rhode Island
    US Naval officer
    Served in the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War
    Best known for opening Japan to the West (1854)
    Promoted to rear admiral
    Wrote 'Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Sea and Japan'

Why he might be annoying:

    He shares his name with Chandler from Friends.
    During the War of 1812, while his brother Oliver was defeating the British in the Battle of Lake Erie, he was trapped in port in Connecticut.
    He unsuccessfully urged the US to seize Taiwan from China.
    He died of cirrhosis of the liver from heavy drinking.

Why he might not be annoying:

    He commanded the Navy's African Squadron to suppress illegal slave trading.
    He was known as the 'Father of the Steam Navy,' organized America's first corps of naval engineers, conducted the first US naval gunnery school, and helped establish the curriculum for the US Naval Academy.
    He negotiated the first US-Japanese treaty, ending the country's 200 years of isolation.
    Douglas MacArthur had Perry's flag displayed on the USS Missouri during the Japanese surrender ceremony to end World War II.

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 9 Votes: 11.11% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 6 Votes: 16.67% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 25 Votes: 20.0% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 24 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 15 Votes: 53.33% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 12 Votes: 8.33% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 15 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 23 Votes: 43.48% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 24 Votes: 54.17% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 12 Votes: 16.67% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 16 Votes: 37.50% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 24 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 20 Votes: 30.0% Annoying