Final answer:
Commodore 2) Perry's 1854 visit initiated Japan's end of isolation and led to the Treaty of Kanagawa, which opened Japan to international trade and diplomacy. The forced opening spurred Japan to industrialize and modernize, leading to their establishment as a competitive world power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The actions of Commodore Perry in 1854 helped Japan primarily through his role in forcibly opening the country to international trade and diplomacy.
Perry's expedition to Japan ultimately led to the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa, which marked the end of Japan's period of isolation. This treaty opened two Japanese ports to American vessels, thus marking the beginning of Japan's interactions on an international scale.
Through Perry's show of military force, the Japanese realized the power disparity between their non-industrialized society and the industrialized West.
As a result, Japan embarked on a period of rapid modernization during the Meiji Restoration, starting in 1868. This included sending Japanese officials and merchants to learn from the United States and Western Europe and the invitation of Westerners to Japan to help in the country's industrial and military development.
Commodore Perry's actions did not help Japan create a strong naval defense at the time, but they catalyzed the realization that Japan needed to industrialize and modernize its military to compete with Western powers.
Consequently, Japan's interactions with Perry and the resulting treaties were the impetus that eventually led to Japan developing a modern industrial society with a powerful military force, making 2) Perry helped the Japanese make contact with the outside world the most accurate choice.