Question

many of the large ships of war destined to visit japan have not yet arrived in these seas ... and i, as evidence of friendly intentions, have brought but four of the smaller ones, designing, should it become necessary, to return to edo next spring with a much larger force. but it is expected that your imperial majesty will render such return unnecessary, by acceding at once to the very reasonable overtures contained in president fillmore’s letter. --us navy commodore matthew c. perry, 1853 what implicit threat is contained in commodore perry’s letter?
○ he could bring an army to japan.
○ he could tell the president that japan was not cooperative.
○ he could return with a larger force and attack japan.
○ he could attack japan with his four ships.

Explanation:

To determine the implicit threat, analyze the text: Perry mentions having only four smaller ships now but notes many large warships haven't arrived yet. He says he could return next spring with a much larger force if Japan doesn't accede to the overtures.

• Option 1: The text focuses on ships, not an army, so incorrect.
• Option 2: Telling the president isn't a threat to Japan, so incorrect.
• Option 3: The text implies that if Japan doesn't cooperate, he'll come back with a larger force (and attack, as the context of warships implies), so this matches the implicit threat.
• Option 4: He says he brought four as a friendly gesture, so attacking with four isn't implied.

Answer:

C. He could return with a larger force and attack Japan.