Boshin War 戊辰戦争 (1868–1869)
Samurai of the Satsuma clan, fighting for the Imperial side during the Boshin War period. Photograph by Felice Beato. Felice Beato (born 1833 or 1834 died c 1907 sometimes known as Felix Beato, was a Corfiote Photographer.
Date January 1868 – May 1869 Location Japan Result End of the Shogunate; Restoration of imperial rule
Belligerents
Imperial faction: Satsuma Domain, Chōshū Domain, Tosa Domain	Tokugawa shogunate Republic of Ezo
Commanders
Ruler: Meiji Emperor, CIC: Saigō Takamori, Army: Kuroda Kiyotaka	Shogunate: Ruler: Tokugawa Yoshinobu, Army: Katsu Kaishu, Navy: Enomoto Takeaki, Ezo Republic: President:Enomoto Takeaki, CIC: Otori Keisuke, Navy: Arai Ikunosuke
Casualties and losses
~1,000 killed[1]	~3,000 killed[2]

This article contains Japanese text. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. are the final years of the Edo period when the Tokugawa shogunate came to an end The, also known as the Meiji Ishin, Revolution, or Renewal, was a chain of events that led to enormous changes in Japan 's political and social structure The Satsuma domain ( 薩摩藩 Satsuma Han) was one of the most powerful feudal domains in Tokugawa Japan, and played a major role in the The was a Feudal domain of Japan during the Edo period (1603-1867 occupying the whole of modern day Yamaguchi Prefecture. The was a Feudal domain in Tosa Province of Japan (present-day Kōchi Prefecture) during the Edo period. The Tokugawa shogunate, also known as the, and the, was a feudal regime of Japan established by Tokugawa Ieyasu and ruled by the Shoguns of Background After the defeat of the forces of the Tokugawa Shogunate in the Boshin War (1868&ndash1869 of the Meiji Restoration, a part of the The (3 November 1852 — 30 July 1912 or Meiji the Great was the 122nd emperor of Japan according to the traditional order of succession reigning from 3 February A commander-in-chief is the Commander of a nation's Military forces or significant element of those forces was one of the most influential Samurai in Japanese history, living during the late Edo Period and early Meiji Era. ( 16 October 1840 - 23 August 1900) also known as Kuroda Ryōsuke (黑田 了介 was a Japanese Politician is a military rank and historical title in Japan. The Japanese word for "general" it is made up of two Kanji words sho, meaning "commander" Tokugawa Yoshinobu 1st Prince of the Yoshinobu-ke (徳川 慶喜 Tokugawa Yoshinobu (also known as Keiki) October 28, 1837 &ndash was a Japanese naval officer and statesman during the Late Tokugawa shogunate and the Meiji period. Viscount was a Japanese Navy admiral faithful to the Tokugawa Shogunate, who fought against the new Meiji government until the end of the Boshin Background After the defeat of the forces of the Tokugawa Shogunate in the Boshin War (1868&ndash1869 of the Meiji Restoration, a part of the Viscount was a Japanese Navy admiral faithful to the Tokugawa Shogunate, who fought against the new Meiji government until the end of the Boshin A commander-in-chief is the Commander of a nation's Military forces or significant element of those forces was a Japanese military commander during the last years of the Tokugawa shogunate and the beginning of the Meiji Era ( 12 June 1836 - 19 July 1909) was a Japanese Samurai of the late Edo period is a language spoken by over 130 million people in Japan and in Japanese emigrant communities Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of kanji or kana. Mojibake is the happenstance of incorrect unreadable characters (garbage characters shown when Computer software fails to render a text correctly according to its associated are the Chinese characters that are used in the modern Japanese logographic writing system along with Hiragana (ひらがな 平仮名 Katakana Kana is a general term for the syllabic Japanese scripts Hiragana (ひらがな and Katakana (カタカナ as well as the old system

Campaign map of the Boshin War (1868–1869). The Southern domains of Satsuma, Chōshū and Tosa (in red) joined forces to defeat the Shogunate forces at Toba-Fushimi, and then progressively took control of the rest of Japan until the final stand-off in the northern island of Hokkaidō. The occurred between pro-Imperial and Tokugawa shogunate forces during the Boshin War in Japan

The Boshin War (戊辰戦争, Boshin Sensō^?, "War of the Year of the Dragon")^[3] was a civil war in Japan, fought from 1868 to 1869 between forces of the ruling Tokugawa shogunate and those seeking to return political power to the imperial court. The Dragon ( 龍) is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac A civil war is a War between a State and domestic political actors that are in control of some part of the territory claimed by the state For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. The Tokugawa shogunate, also known as the, and the, was a feudal regime of Japan established by Tokugawa Ieyasu and ruled by the Shoguns of The of Japan is the country's Monarch. He is the head of the Japanese Imperial Family. The war found its origins in dissatisfaction among many nobles and young samurai with the shogunate's handling of foreigners following the opening of Japan the prior decade. is the term for the military nobility of Pre-industrial Japan. are the final years of the Edo period when the Tokugawa shogunate came to an end An alliance of southern samurai and court officials secured the cooperation of the young Emperor Meiji, who declared the abolition of the two-hundred-year-old shogunate. The (3 November 1852 — 30 July 1912 or Meiji the Great was the 122nd emperor of Japan according to the traditional order of succession reigning from 3 February Military movements by imperial forces and partisan violence in Edo led Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the sitting shogun, to launch a military campaign to seize the emperor's court at Kyoto. literally bay - Door, " Estuary " edo once also spelled Yedo or Yeddo, is the Tokugawa Yoshinobu 1st Prince of the Yoshinobu-ke (徳川 慶喜 Tokugawa Yoshinobu (also known as Keiki) October 28, 1837 &ndash The military tide rapidly turned in favor of the smaller but relatively modernized imperial faction, and after a series of battles culminating in the surrender of Edo, Yoshinobu personally surrendered. The Tokugawa remnant retreated to northern Honshū and later to Hokkaidō, where they founded the Ezo republic. or Honshu is the largest Island of Japan. The nation's main island, it is south of Hokkaidō across the Tsugaru Strait, north of WikipediaWikiProject Japanese prefectures for guidelines --> formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso, is Japan 's Background After the defeat of the forces of the Tokugawa Shogunate in the Boshin War (1868&ndash1869 of the Meiji Restoration, a part of the Defeat at the Battle of Hakodate broke this last holdout and left the imperial rule supreme throughout the whole of Japan, completing the military phase of the Meiji Restoration. The was fought in Japan from 1868-10-20 to 1869-05-17, between the remnants of the Tokugawa shogunate army consolidated into the armed forces of the rebel The, also known as the Meiji Ishin, Revolution, or Renewal, was a chain of events that led to enormous changes in Japan 's political and social structure

Around 120,000 men were mobilized during the conflict, and of these about 3,500 were killed. ^[4] In the end, the victorious imperial faction abandoned its objective to expel foreigners from Japan and instead adopted a policy of continued modernization with an eye to eventual renegotiation of the Unequal Treaties with the Western powers. Unequal Treaties is a term used in reference to the type of Treaties signed by several East Asian states including Qing Dynasty China, late Due to the persistence of Saigō Takamori, a prominent leader of the imperial faction, the Tokugawa loyalists were shown clemency, and many former shogunate leaders were later given positions of responsibility under the new government. was one of the most influential Samurai in Japanese history, living during the late Edo Period and early Meiji Era. A pardon is the forgiveness of a crime and the penalty associated with it

The Boshin War testifies to the advanced state of modernization already achieved by Japan barely fourteen years after its opening to the West, the already high involvement of Western nations (especially the United Kingdom and France) in the country's politics, and the rather turbulent installation of Imperial power. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was the formal name of the United Kingdom from 1 January 1801 until 12 April 1927 This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Over time, the war has been romanticized by Japanese and others who view the Meiji Restoration as a "bloodless revolution," despite the number of casualties. Various dramatizations of the war have been made in Japan, and elements of the conflict were incorporated into the 2003 American film The Last Samurai. The Last Samurai is a 2003 Drama film / War film directed and co-produced by Edward Zwick, who also co-wrote the Screenplay based on

Political background

Early discontent against the Shogunate

Main article: Late Tokugawa shogunate

For the two centuries prior to 1854, Japan had severely limited exchange with foreign nations, with the notable exceptions of Korea via Tsushima, Qing China via the Ryūkyūs, and the Dutch through the trading post of Dejima. are the final years of the Edo period when the Tokugawa shogunate came to an end Sakoku ( Japanese: 鎖国 literally "country in chains" or "lock up of country" was the Foreign relations policy of Japan under which Korea is a geographic area composed of two sovereign countries a civilization and a former state situated on the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. Tsushima (対馬 Tsushima) are islands of the Japanese Archipelago situated in the middle of Korea Strait at 34°25'N and 129°20'E Not to be confused with Qin Dynasty, the first dynasty of Imperial China The Ryukyu Islands, in Japanese called the (literally Southwest Islands are a chain of Japanese islands in the western Pacific Ocean at the eastern limit The Dutch Empire was the territories controlled by The Netherlands from the 17th to the 20th century was a fan-shaped Artificial island in the bay of Nagasaki that was a Dutch Trading port during Japan 's self-imposed isolation ( Sakoku ^[5] In 1854, Commodore Perry opened Japan to global commerce with the implied threat of force, thus initiating a period of rapid development in foreign trade and Westernization. Matthew Calbraith Perry ( April 10, 1794 &ndash March 4, 1858) was the Commodore of the U In large part due to the humiliating terms of the Unequal Treaties, as agreements like those conveyed by Perry are called, the Shogunate soon faced internal hostility, which materialized into a radical, xenophobic movement, the sonnō jōi (literally "Revere the Emperor, expel the barbarians"). Unequal Treaties is a term used in reference to the type of Treaties signed by several East Asian states including Qing Dynasty China, late is a military rank and historical title in Japan. The Japanese word for "general" it is made up of two Kanji words sho, meaning "commander" Xenophobia is an intense and/or irrational dislike and sometimes fear of people from other countries is a Japanese Political philosophy and a Social movement derived from Neo-Confucianism; it became a Political slogan in the 1850s and 1860s in ^[6]

The Shogunate's Kanrin Maru, Japan's first screw-driven steam warship, 1855. Japanese embassy to the US See also Japanese Embassy to the United States (1860 Five years later the Bakufu sent Kanrin Maru on a mission to the United The Shogunate actively pursued modernization, but was faced by growing internal discontent against the harm to national sovereignty brought on by contact with Westerners

The Emperor Kōmei agreed with such sentiments, and—breaking with centuries of imperial tradition—began to take an active role in matters of state: as opportunities arose, he fulminated against the treaties and attempted to interfere in the shogunal succession. ( July 22, 1831 - January 30, 1867) was the 121st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession His efforts culminated in March 1863 with his "Order to expel barbarians". The Order to expel barbarians ( Japanese: 攘夷勅命 jōi chokumei, also 攘夷実行の勅命 jōi jikkō no chokumei) was an edict issued by the Japanese Although the Shogunate had no intention of enforcing the order, it nevertheless inspired attacks against the Shogunate itself and against foreigners in Japan: the most famous incident was that of the English trader Charles Lennox Richardson, for whose death the Tokugawa government had to pay an indemnity of one hundred thousand British pounds. Charles Lennox Richardson was the English merchant from Shanghai who was in Japan and was killed during the Namamugi Incident by the Satsuma The Pound Sterling ( symbol £; ISO code: GBP) subdivided into 100 pence (singular penny) is the Currency ^[7] Other attacks included the shelling of foreign shipping in Shimonoseki. is a city located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. It is at the southwestern tip of Honshū, facing the Tsushima Strait and also Kitakyushu ^[8]

Shogunal troops in 1864. Illustrated London News

During 1864, these actions were successfully countered by armed retaliations by foreign powers, such as the British Bombardment of Kagoshima and the multinational Bombardment of Shimonoseki. The Illustrated London News was a Magazine founded by Herbert Ingram and his friend Mark Lemon, the editor of Punch The Bombardment of Kagoshima, also known as the, took place on 15-17 August 1863 during the Late Tokugawa shogunate. The Bombardment of Shimonoseki (Japanese下関戦争/馬関戦争 Shimonoseki Sensō/Bakan Sensō) refers to a series of military engagements fought in 1863-64, by joint naval At the same time, the forces of Chōshū, together with xenophobic ronin, raised the Hamaguri rebellion trying to seize the city of Kyoto, where the Emperor's court was held, but the future shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu led a punitive expedition and defeated them. The was a Feudal domain of Japan during the Edo period (1603-1867 occupying the whole of modern day Yamaguchi Prefecture. A was a Samurai with no lord or master during the Feudal period (1185–1868 of Japan. The rebellion at the Hamaguri Gate (蛤御門の変 Hamagurigomon no Hen) of the Imperial Palace in Kyōto took place on August 20, 1864 and Tokugawa Yoshinobu 1st Prince of the Yoshinobu-ke (徳川 慶喜 Tokugawa Yoshinobu (also known as Keiki) October 28, 1837 &ndash At this point initial resistance among the leadership in Chōshū and the imperial court subsided, but over the next year the Tokugawa proved unable to reassert full control over the country as most daimyo began to ignore orders and questions from Edo. The ( were powerful territorial lords who ruled most of Japan from their vast hereditary land holdings ^[9]

Foreign military assistance

Bakumatsu troops near Mount Fuji in 1867. are the final years of the Edo period when the Tokugawa shogunate came to an end is the highest Mountain in Japan at.An Active volcano that last erupted in 1707–08 it straddles the boundary of Shizuoka and The painting by French officer Jules Brunet show an eclectic combination of Western and Japanese equipment. Jules Brunet (2 January 1838-12 August 1911 was a French officer who played an active role in Mexico and Japan, and later became a General and Chief of

Training of the Shogunate troops by the French Military Mission to Japan in 1867

Despite the bombardment of Kagoshima, the Satsuma domain had become closer to the British and was pursuing the modernization of its army and navy with their support. ^[10] The Scottish dealer Thomas Blake Glover sold quantities of warships and guns to the southern Provinces. Thomas Blake Glover, Order of the Rising Sun ( June 6, 1838 &ndash December 13, 1911) was a Scottish Merchant ^[11] American and British military experts, usually former officers, may have been directly involved in this military effort. ^[12] The British ambassador Harry Smith Parkes supported the anti-Shogunate forces in a drive to establish a legitimate, unified Imperial rule in Japan, and to counter French influence with the Shogunate. For the footballer and Chesterfield FC manager of the same name see Harry Parkes (footballer. During that period, southern Japanese leaders such as Saigō Takamori of Satsuma, or Itō Hirobumi and Inoue Kaoru of Chōshū cultivated personal connections with British diplomats, notably Ernest Mason Satow. was one of the most influential Samurai in Japanese history, living during the late Edo Period and early Meiji Era. was a Japanese statesman Resident-General of Korea, four time Prime Minister of Japan (the 1st 5th 7th and 10th and Genrō. Count was a Japanese Statesman and a member of the Meiji oligarchy that ruled Japan during the Meiji period (1868–1912 Sir Ernest Mason Satow PC, GCMG, (June 30 1843 - August 26 1929 known in Japan as アーネスト・サトウ was an outstanding British Scholar ^[13]

The Shogunate also was preparing for further conflict by modernizing its forces. In line with Parkes' designs, the British, theretofore the Shogunate's primary partner, proved reluctant to provide assistance. ^[14] The Tokugawa thus came to rely mainly on French expertise, comforted by the military prestige of Napoleon III at that time, acquired through his successes in the Crimean War and the War of Italy. Napoléon III, also known as Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte (full name Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte) (20 April 1808 9 January 1873 was the first President The Crimean War, also known in Russia as the Eastern War (Восточная война Vostochnaya Vojna) (March 1854–February 1856 was fought The Second War of Italian Independence, Franco-Austrian War, or Austro-Sardinian War was fought by Napoleon III of France and the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia ^[15] The Shogunate took major steps towards the construction of a modern and powerful military: a navy with a core of eight steam warships had been built over several years and was already the strongest in Asia. ^[16] In 1865, Japan's first modern naval arsenal was built in Yokosuka by the French engineer Léonce Verny. An arsenal is an establishment for the construction repair storage and issue of Weapons and Ammunition. is a city located in Kanagawa, Japan. It is located at the mouth of Tokyo Bay in the Miura Peninsula, and the city stretches across François Léonce Verny, ( December 2 1837 - May 2 1908) was a French Civil engineer who directed the construction of In January 1867, a French military mission arrived to reorganize the shogunal army and create an elite force, and an order was placed with the United States to buy the French-built ironclad warship CSS Stonewall,^[17] a relic of the American Civil War. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Origins The Kōtetsu was built by shipbuilder L'Arman in Bordeaux, France. Causes of the war See also Origins of the American Civil War, Timeline of events leading to the American Civil War The coexistence of a slave-owning South Due to the Western powers' declared neutrality, the Americans refused to release the ship, but once neutrality was lifted, the imperial faction obtained the vessel and employed it in engagements in Hakodate under the name Kōtetsu (literally "Ironclad"). ^[18]

Coups d'état (1866–1868)

Tokugawa Yoshinobu in French military uniform, c. Tokugawa Yoshinobu 1st Prince of the Yoshinobu-ke (徳川 慶喜 Tokugawa Yoshinobu (also known as Keiki) October 28, 1837 &ndash 1867

Following an internal coup within and renewed revolt by Chōshū, and the Shogunate's announced intention to lead an expedition to quell that revolt, Chōshū formed a secret alliance with Satsuma. This article is about the province For alternative meanings of the word Satsuma, see Satsuma (disambiguation was an old province In late 1866, however, first Shogun Iemochi and then Emperor Kōmei died, respectively succeeded by Yoshinobu and Emperor Meiji. ( July 17, 1846 &ndash July 20, 1866) was the 14th Shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan, who held office 1858 ( July 22, 1831 - January 30, 1867) was the 121st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession Tokugawa Yoshinobu 1st Prince of the Yoshinobu-ke (徳川 慶喜 Tokugawa Yoshinobu (also known as Keiki) October 28, 1837 &ndash The (3 November 1852 — 30 July 1912 or Meiji the Great was the 122nd emperor of Japan according to the traditional order of succession reigning from 3 February These events "made a truce inevitable. "^[19] On November 9, 1867, a secret order was issued to Satsuma and Chōshū by Emperor Meiji authority commanding the "slaughtering of the traitorous subject Yoshinobu. Events 694 - Egica, a king of the Visigoths of Hispania, accuses Jews of aiding Muslims sentencing all Year 1867 ( MDCCCLXVII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting "^[20] Just prior to this however, and following a proposal from the daimyo of Tosa, Yoshinobu resigned his post and authorities to the emperor, agreeing to "be the instrument for carrying out" imperial orders. ^[21] The Tokugawa Shogunate had ended. ^[22]

While Yoshinobu's resignation had created a nominal void at the highest level of government, his apparatus of state continued to exist. Moreover, the shogunal government, the Tokugawa family in particular, would remain a prominent force in the evolving political order and would retain many executive powers,^[23] a prospect hard-liners from Satsuma and Chōshū found intolerable. ^[24] Events came to a head on January 3, 1868 when these elements seized the imperial palace in Kyoto, and the following day had the fifteen-year-old Emperor Meiji declare his own restoration to full power. Events 1431 - Joan of Arc is handed over to the Bishop Pierre Cauchon. Year 1868 ( MDCCCLXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap Although the majority of the imperial consultative assembly was happy with the formal declaration of direct rule by the court and tended to support a continued collaboration with the Tokugawa (under the concept of "just government" (公議政体派, "just government"^? kōgiseitaiha), Saigō Takamori threatened the assembly into abolishing the title "shogun" and order the confiscation of Yoshinobu's lands. was one of the most influential Samurai in Japanese history, living during the late Edo Period and early Meiji Era. ^[25]

Destruction of the Palace of Satsuma by Shogunate forces in Edo

Although he initially agreed to these demands, on January 17, 1868 Yoshinobu declared "that he would not be bound by the proclamation of the Restoration and called on the court to rescind it. literally bay - Door, " Estuary " edo once also spelled Yedo or Yeddo, is the Events 38 BC - Octavian marries Livia Drusilla. 1287 - King Alfonso III of Aragon invades Minorca Year 1868 ( MDCCCLXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap "^[26] On January 24, Yoshinobu decided to prepare an attack on Kyoto, occupied by Satsuma and Chōshū forces. Events 41 - Gaius Caesar (Caligula, known for his eccentricity and cruel Despotism, is Assassinated by his disgruntled (IPA /kʲoːto / is a city in the central part of the island of Honshū, Japan. This decision was prompted by his learning of a series of arsons in Edo, starting with the burning of the outworks of Edo Castle, the main Tokugawa residence. also known as, is a flatland castle that was built in 1457 by Ōta Dōkan. This was blamed on Satsuma ronin, who on that day attacked a government office. The next day shogunate forces responded by attacking the Edo residence of the daimyo of Satsuma, where many opponents of the shogunate, under Takamori's direction, had been hiding and creating trouble. The palace was burned down, and many opponents killed or later executed. ^[27]

Opening conflicts

Main articles: Battle of Toba-Fushimi and Naval Battle of Awa

Battle scene at Toba-Fushimi. The occurred between pro-Imperial and Tokugawa shogunate forces during the Boshin War in Japan The occurred on 28 January 1868 during the Boshin War in Japan, in the area of Awa Bay near Osaka. Shogunate forces are on the left, including battalions from Aizu. is an area comprising the westernmost third of Fukushima Prefecture in Japan. On the right are forces from Chōshū and Tosa. often called, was a province of Japan. It was at the extreme western end of Honshū, in the area that is today Yamaguchi prefecture. is the name of a fomer province of Japan in the area that is today Kochi prefecture on Shikoku. These are modernized battalions, but some of the forces were also traditional samurai (especially on the Shogunate side)

A Satsuma battery in action at Toba-Fushimi

Doctor William Willis, of the English Legation, managed the military hospital for the Satsuma forces during the Toba-Fushimi battle and throughout the Boshin War. William Willis (1837–1894 was a British physician (medical doctor who joined the British mission in Japan in 1861 ^[28]

On 27 January 1868, Shogunate forces attacked the forces of Chōshū and Satsuma, clashing near Toba and Fushimi, at the southern entrance of Kyoto. Events 98 - Trajan becomes Roman Emperor after the death of Nerva. Year 1868 ( MDCCCLXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap is one of the eleven wards in the city of Kyoto, in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Some parts of the 15,000-strong Shogunate forces had been trained by French military advisers, but the majority remained medieval samurai forces. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. is the term for the military nobility of Pre-industrial Japan. Meanwhile, the forces of Chōshū and Satsuma were outnumbered 3:1 but fully modernized with Armstrong howitzers, Minié rifles and a few Gatling guns. A howitzer is a type of Artillery piece that is characterized by a relatively short barrel and the use of comparatively small explosive charges to propel projectiles The Minié rifle was an important rifle in the 19th century developed in 1849 following the invention of the Minié ball in 1847 by the French Army captains The Gatling gun is considered by some to have been the first Machine gun: although it did not automatically reload under its own power it was capable of firing continuously After an inconclusive start,^[29] on the second day, an Imperial pennant was remitted to the defending troops, and a relative of the Emperor, Ninnajinomiya Yoshiaki, was named nominal commander in chief, making the forces officially an imperial army (官軍, kangun^?). was a member of the Japanese imperial family from the princely house of Fushimi-no-miya (伏見宮家 and a career soldier in the Imperial Japanese Army. A commander-in-chief is the Commander of a nation's Military forces or significant element of those forces ^[30] Moreover, convinced by courtiers, several local daimyo, thitherto faithful to the Shogun, started to defect to the side of the imperial court. These included daimyo of Yodo on February 5, and the daimyo of Tsu on February 6, tilting the military balance in favour of the Imperial side. The was a Japanese domain of the Edo period, and the only domain located in Yamashiro Province. was a Japanese domain of the Edo period ruled by the Tozama Tōdō clan. ^[31]

On February 7, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, apparently distressed by the imperial approval given to the actions of Satsuma and Chōshū, fled Osaka aboard the Kaiyō Maru, withdrawing to Edo. literally bay - Door, " Estuary " edo once also spelled Yedo or Yeddo, is the Demoralized by his flight and by the betrayal by Yodo and Tsu, Shogunate forces retreated, making the Toba-Fushimi encounter an Imperial victory, although it is often considered the Shogunate forces should have won the encounter. ^[32] Osaka Castle was soon invested on February 8 (on March 1, Western calendar), putting an end to the battle of Toba-Fushimi. Events 421 - Constantius III becomes co- Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. Events 86 BC - Lucius Cornelius Sulla, at the head of a Roman Republic army enters in Athens, removing the Tyrant ^[33]

At the same time, on 28 January 1868, the naval Battle of Awa between the Shogunate and elements of the Satsuma Navy took place. Events 1077 - Walk to Canossa: The Excommunication of Henry IV Holy Roman Emperor is lifted Year 1868 ( MDCCCLXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap The occurred on 28 January 1868 during the Boshin War in Japan, in the area of Awa Bay near Osaka. This was Japan's first engagement between two modern navies. ^[34] The battle, although small in scale, ended in favour of the Shogunate.

The killing of French sailors in the Sakai incident. The Sakai incident was the killing of 11 French sailors from the French Corvette ''Dupleix'' in the port of Sakai near Osaka, Japan Le Monde Illustré

On the diplomatic front, the ministers of foreign nations, gathered in the open harbor of Hyōgo (present day Kobe) in early February, issued a declaration according to which the Shogunate was still considered the only rightful government in Japan, giving hope to Tokugawa Yoshinobu that foreign nations (especially France) might consider an intervention in his favour. Le Monde Illustré was a leading 19th century illustrated Newsmagazine in France. is the capital city of Hyōgo Prefecture and a prominent port city in Japan with a population of about 1 A few days later however an Imperial delegation visited the ministers declaring that the Shogunate was abolished, that harbours would be open in accordance with International treaties, and that foreigners would be protected. The ministers finally decided to recognize the new government. ^[35]

The rise of anti-foreign sentiment nonetheless led to several attacks on foreigners in the following months. Eleven French sailors from the corvette Dupleix were killed by samurai of Tosa in the Sakai incident on March 8, 1868. A corvette is a small maneuverable lightly armed Warship, originally smaller than a Frigate and larger than a coastal patrol craft, although many Bombardment of Shimonoseki is the name of a fomer province of Japan in the area that is today Kochi prefecture on Shikoku. The Sakai incident was the killing of 11 French sailors from the French Corvette ''Dupleix'' in the port of Sakai near Osaka, Japan Events 1618 - Johannes Kepler discovers the third law of planetary motion. Year 1868 ( MDCCCLXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap Fifteen days later, Sir Harry Parkes, the British ambassador, was attacked by a group of samurai in a street of Kyoto. For the footballer and Chesterfield FC manager of the same name see Harry Parkes (footballer. ^[36]

Surrender of Edo

Main articles: Battle of Kōshū-Katsunuma and Battle of Ueno

Kondo Isami, leader of the pro-Shogunate Shinsengumi, facing soldiers from Tosa (distinctive "Red bear" (赤熊, Shaguma) wigs of the officers) at the Battle of Kōshū-Katsunuma

Part of the fleet of Enomoto Takeaki off Shinagawa. The was a battle between pro-Imperial and Tokugawa shogunate forces during the Boshin War in Japan The Battle of Ueno (Japanese上野戦争 was a battle of the Boshin War, which occurred on July 4, 1868 ( May 15 by the lunar calendar between was a Japanese Swordsman and Official of the late Edo Period, famed for his role as commander of the Shinsengumi. For the NHK television series see Shinsengumi!. The were a Special police force of the Late shogunate period. is the name of a fomer province of Japan in the area that is today Kochi prefecture on Shikoku. The was a battle between pro-Imperial and Tokugawa shogunate forces during the Boshin War in Japan is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. In English it calls itself Shinagawa City From left to right: Mikaho, Chōgei, Kanrin, Kaiyō, Kaiten. was as small steam transportation warship belonging to the Navy of the Bakufu around 1860 was a transportation ship belonging to the troops faithful to the Shogun during Japan's Boshin War. Japanese embassy to the US See also Japanese Embassy to the United States (1860 Five years later the Bakufu sent Kanrin Maru on a mission to the United The Banryū and Chiyodagata are absent. 1868 photograph

Beginning in February, with the help of the French ambassador Léon Roches, a plan was formulated to stop the imperial court's advance at Odawara, the last strategic entry point to Edo, but Yoshinobu decided against the plan. Léon Roches ( September 27, 1809, Grenoble  – 1900 was a representative of the French government in Japan from 1864 to 1868 is a city located in Kanagawa, Japan. The city was founded on December 20, 1940. Shocked, Léon Roches resigned from his position. In early March, under the influence of the British minister Harry Parkes, foreign nations signed a strict neutrality agreement, according to which they could not intervene or provide military supplies to either side until the resolution of the conflict. For the footballer and Chesterfield FC manager of the same name see Harry Parkes (footballer. ^[37]

Saigō Takamori led the victorious imperial forces north and east through Japan, winning the Battle of Kōshū-Katsunuma. was one of the most influential Samurai in Japanese history, living during the late Edo Period and early Meiji Era. The was a battle between pro-Imperial and Tokugawa shogunate forces during the Boshin War in Japan He eventually surrounded Edo in May 1868, leading to its unconditional surrender by Katsu Kaishu, the Shogun's Army Minister. literally bay - Door, " Estuary " edo once also spelled Yedo or Yeddo, is the was a Japanese naval officer and statesman during the Late Tokugawa shogunate and the Meiji period. ^[38] Some groups continued to resist after this surrender but were defeated in the Battle of Ueno. The Battle of Ueno (Japanese上野戦争 was a battle of the Boshin War, which occurred on July 4, 1868 ( May 15 by the lunar calendar between

Meanwhile, the leader of the Shogun's navy, Enomoto Takeaki, refused to surrender all his ships. Viscount was a Japanese Navy admiral faithful to the Tokugawa Shogunate, who fought against the new Meiji government until the end of the Boshin He remitted just four ships, among them the Fujisan, but he then escaped north with the remnants of the Shogun's Navy (eight steam warships: Kaiten, Banryū, Chiyodagata, Chōgei, Kaiyō Maru, Kanrin Maru, Mikaho and Shinsoku), and 2,000 members of the navy, in the hope of staging a counter-attack together with the northern daimyo. The Fujisan (Japanese富士山 was a steam frigate of the Bakufu Navy. was a transportation ship belonging to the troops faithful to the Shogun during Japan's Boshin War. Japanese embassy to the US See also Japanese Embassy to the United States (1860 Five years later the Bakufu sent Kanrin Maru on a mission to the United was as small steam transportation warship belonging to the Navy of the Bakufu around 1860 was a Japanese warship belonging the troops loyal to the Shogun during the Boshin War. He was accompanied by a handful of French military advisers, notably Jules Brunet, who had formally resigned from the French Army in order to accompany the rebels. Jules Brunet (2 January 1838-12 August 1911 was a French officer who played an active role in Mexico and Japan, and later became a General and Chief of ^[39]

Resistance of the Northern Coalition

Troops from Sendai, following their mobilization in April, joined a northern alliance against Imperial troops in May 1868. is the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, and the largest city in the Tōhoku (northeast region

Wooden cannons used by the Sendai fief during the Boshin War. Sendai City Museum

After Yoshinobu's surrender,^[40] most of Japan accepted the emperor's rule, but a core of domains in the North, supporting the Aizu clan, continued the resistance. The is the main Museum of Sendai, Japan. The museum displays various artifacts related to the Date family and the history of Sendai is an area comprising the westernmost third of Fukushima Prefecture in Japan. ^[41] In May several northern daimyo formed an Alliance to fight Imperial troops, the coalition of northern domains composed primarily of forces from the domains of Sendai, Yonezawa, Aizu, Shonai and Nagaoka, with a total of 50,000 troops. The ( were powerful territorial lords who ruled most of Japan from their vast hereditary land holdings The Ōuetsu Reppan Dōmei or was a Japanese military-political coalition established and disestablished over the course of several months in early to mid-1868 during the Boshin War is the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, and the largest city in the Tōhoku (northeast region Yonezawa (米沢市 -shi is a city located in Yamagata, Japan. is an area comprising the westernmost third of Fukushima Prefecture in Japan. Shōnai (庄内町 -machi is a town located in Higashitagawa District, Yamagata, Japan. is a city located in the central part of Niigata Prefecture, Japan. ^[42] An Imperial Prince, Kitashirakawa Yoshihisa had fled north with partisans of the Tokugawa shogunate and was made the nominal head of the Northern Coalition, with the intention of naming him "Emperor Tobu". of Japan, was the 2nd head of a collateral branch of the Japanese imperial family.

Enomoto's fleet joined Sendai harbour on August 26. is the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, and the largest city in the Tōhoku (northeast region Events 1071 - Battle of Manzikert: The Seljuk Turks defeat the Byzantine Army at Manzikert. Although the Northern Coalition was numerous, it was poorly equipped, and relied on traditional fighting methods. Modern armament was scarce, and last-minute efforts were made to build cannons made of wood and reinforced with roping, firing stone projectiles. | NOTE Throughout this article "cannon" is used as BOTH the || singular and plural Such cannons, installed on defensive structures, could only fire four or five projectiles before bursting. ^[43] On the other hand, the daimyo of Nagaoka managed to procure two of the three Gatling guns in Japan and 2,000 modern French rifles from the German weapons dealer Henry Schnell. The Gatling gun is considered by some to have been the first Machine gun: although it did not automatically reload under its own power it was capable of firing continuously Edward and Henry Schnell were two brothers and German arms-dealers active in Japan during the Boshin war, in 1868-1869

Ruined castle of Shirakawa-Komine, during the Battle of Aizu

In May 1868, the daimyo of Nagaoka inflicted high losses on the Imperial troops in the Battle of Hokuetsu, but his castle ultimately fell on May 19. is a castle in the city of Shirakawa, Fukushima, Japan. It may be also called simply by the name of. The Battle of Aizu (Japanese会津戦争 lit "War of Aizu" was fought in northern Japan in autumn 1868 and was part of the Boshin War. The was a battle of the Boshin War of the Meiji restoration, which occurred in 1868 in the northwestern part of Japan, in the area of modern Niigata Prefecture Events 1535 - French explorer Jacques Cartier sets sail on his second voyage to North America with three ships 110 men and Imperial troops continued to progress north, defeating the Shinsengumi at the Battle of Bonari Pass, which opened the way for their attack on the castle of Aizu-Wakamatsu in the Battle of Aizu in October 1868, thus making the position in Sendai untenable. For the NHK television series see Shinsengumi!. The were a Special police force of the Late shogunate period. The Battle of Bonari Pass (Japanese母成峠の戦い was part of the Boshin War, and occurred on October 6th 1868 (Gregorian Calendar or August 21 (Lunar Calendar Aizuwakamatsu (会津若松市 -shi is a city located in the Aizu region of Fukushima, Japan. The Battle of Aizu (Japanese会津戦争 lit "War of Aizu" was fought in northern Japan in autumn 1868 and was part of the Boshin War.

Troops of the former Bakufu, being transported to Hokkaidō.

The coalition crumbled, and on October 12, 1868 the fleet left Sendai for Hokkaidō, after having acquired two more ships (Oe and Hōō, previously borrowed by Sendai from the Shogunate), and about 1,000 more troops: remaining Shogunate troops under Otori Keisuke, Shinsengumi troops under Hijikata Toshizo, the guerilla corps (yugekitai) under Hitomi Katsutarō, as well as several more French advisers (Fortant, Garde, Marlin, Bouffier). Events 539 BC - The army of Cyrus the Great of Persia takes Babylon. Year 1868 ( MDCCCLXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap WikipediaWikiProject Japanese prefectures for guidelines --> formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso, is Japan 's The was one of Japan 's first Western-style warship following the country's period of Seclusion was a Japanese military commander during the last years of the Tokugawa shogunate and the beginning of the Meiji Era For the NHK television series see Shinsengumi!. The were a Special police force of the Late shogunate period. Hijikata Toshizō (土方歳三 May 31, 1835 — June 20, 1869) was the deputy leader of Shinsengumi, a small-built and talented ^[44]

On October 26, Edo was renamed Tokyo, and the Meiji period officially started. Events 740 - An Earthquake strikes Constantinople, causing much damage and death officially, is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan and located on the eastern side of the main island Honshū. The, or Meiji era, denotes the 45-year reign of the Meiji Emperor, running in the Gregorian calendar, from 23 October 1868 to 30 July Aizu was besieged starting that month, leading to the mass suicide of the Byakkotai (White Tiger Corps) young warriors. The was a group of around 305 young teenage Samurai of the Aizu domain who fought in the Boshin War. ^[45] After a protracted month-long battle, Aizu finally admitted defeat on November 6. is an area comprising the westernmost third of Fukushima Prefecture in Japan. Events 355 - Roman Emperor Constantius II promotes his cousin Julian to the rank of Caesar, entrusting him with

Hokkaidō campaign

Creation of the Ezo Republic

Main article: Republic of Ezo

The French military advisers and their Japanese allies in Hokkaido - use a cursor to investigate

Following defeat on Honshū, Enomoto Takeaki fled to Hokkaidō with the remnants of the navy and his handful of French advisers. Background After the defeat of the forces of the Tokugawa Shogunate in the Boshin War (1868&ndash1869 of the Meiji Restoration, a part of the Viscount was a Japanese Navy admiral faithful to the Tokugawa Shogunate, who fought against the new Meiji government until the end of the Boshin WikipediaWikiProject Japanese prefectures for guidelines --> formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso, is Japan 's Together they organized a government, with the objective of establishing an independent island nation dedicated to the development of Hokkaidō. They formally established the Republic of Ezo on the American model on December 25, Japan's only republic ever, and Enomoto was elected as President, with a large majority. Background After the defeat of the forces of the Tokugawa Shogunate in the Boshin War (1868&ndash1869 of the Meiji Restoration, a part of the The republic tried to reach out to foreign legations present in Hakodate, such as the Americans, French, and Russians, but was not able to garner any international recognition or support. The Russian Empire ( Pre-reform Russian: Pоссійская Имперія Modern Russian: Российская Империя translit: Rossiyskaya Enomoto offered to confer the territory to the Tokugawa Shogun under Imperial rule, but his proposal was declined by the Imperial Governing Council. ^[46]

During the winter, they fortified their defenses around the southern peninsula of Hakodate, with the new fortress of Goryokaku at the center. is a city and port located in Oshima, Hokkaidō, Japan. It is the capital city of Oshima Subprefecture is a Star fort in the city of Hakodate in southern Hokkaidō, Japan. The troops were organized under a Franco-Japanese command, the commander-in-chief Otori Keisuke being seconded by the French captain Jules Brunet, and divided between four brigades. was a Japanese military commander during the last years of the Tokugawa shogunate and the beginning of the Meiji Era Jules Brunet (2 January 1838-12 August 1911 was a French officer who played an active role in Mexico and Japan, and later became a General and Chief of A brigade is a Military unit Echelon: is Each of these was commanded by a French non-commissioned officer (Fortant, Marlin, Cazeneuve, Bouffier), and were themselves divided into eight half-brigades, each under Japanese command. Arthur Fortant was a non-commissioned officer a sergeant of the French Regiment of the Guard of the field artillery Jean Marlin (1833-1872 was a non-commissioned officer a sergeant of the French 8th Battalion of infantry Cazeneuve was a French non-commissioned officer a corporal and horse trainer of the Guard of Emperor Napoleon III. François Bouffier (1844&ndash1881 was a French non-commissioned officer of the 19th century a sergeant of the 8th Battalion of infantrymen ^[47]

Final losses and surrender

Main articles: Naval Battle of Miyako, Battle of Hakodate, and Naval Battle of Hakodate Bay

The Imperial Navy's ironclad Kotetsu

The Imperial navy reached the harbour of Miyako on March 20, but anticipating the arrival of the imperial ships, the Ezo rebels organized a daring plan to seize the Kotetsu. The was a naval action during the Boshin War on 1869-05-06 (March 25 by the Lunar calendar) The was fought in Japan from 1868-10-20 to 1869-05-17, between the remnants of the Tokugawa shogunate army consolidated into the armed forces of the rebel The was fought from 4 May - 10 1869, between the remnants of the Tokugawa shogunate navy consolidated into the armed forces of the rebel Ezo Republic For Combined Fleet, please see that article For Carrier Striking Task Force, please see that article Origins The Kōtetsu was built by shipbuilder L'Arman in Bordeaux, France. Miyako (宮古市 -shi is a city located in Iwate, Japan. On June 6, 2005, the old Miyako absorbed the town of Tarō Events 1600 - The Linköping Bloodbath takes place on Maundy Thursday in Linköping, Sweden. Origins The Kōtetsu was built by shipbuilder L'Arman in Bordeaux, France. Three warships were dispatched for a surprise attack, in what is known as the Naval Battle of Miyako. The was a naval action during the Boshin War on 1869-05-06 (March 25 by the Lunar calendar) The battle ended in failure for the Tokugawa side, owing to bad weather, engine trouble and the decisive use of a Gatling gun by Imperial troops against samurai boarding parties. The Gatling gun is considered by some to have been the first Machine gun: although it did not automatically reload under its own power it was capable of firing continuously ^[48]

The French Navy officer Eugène Collache participated in the Naval Battle of Miyako in samurai attire. Eugène Collache was an officer of the French Navy in the 19th century The was a naval action during the Boshin War on 1869-05-06 (March 25 by the Lunar calendar)

Imperial forces soon consolidated their hold on mainland Japan, and, in April 1869, dispatched a fleet and an infantry force of 7,000 to Ezo, starting the Battle of Hakodate. The was fought in Japan from 1868-10-20 to 1869-05-17, between the remnants of the Tokugawa shogunate army consolidated into the armed forces of the rebel The Imperial forces progressed swiftly and won the naval engagement at Hakodate Bay, Japan's first large-scale naval battle between modern navies, as the fortress of Goryokaku was surrounded with 800 remaining men. The was fought from 4 May - 10 1869, between the remnants of the Tokugawa shogunate navy consolidated into the armed forces of the rebel Ezo Republic is a Star fort in the city of Hakodate in southern Hokkaidō, Japan. Seeing the situation had become desperate, the French advisers escaped to a French ship stationed in Hakodate Bay - Coëtlogon, under the command of Dupetit-Thouars - from where they were shipped back to Yokohama and then France. Abel-Nicolas Georges Henri Bergasse Dupetit Thouars ( March 23, 1832 – March 14, 1890) was a French sailor and vice-admiral is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture, located in the Kantō region of the main island of Honshū and is a major commercial hub of the Greater Tokyo Area The Japanese requested that the French advisers be given judgement in France; however, due to popular support in France for their actions, the former French advisers in Japan were not punished for their actions.

Enomoto had resolved to fight to the end, and had sent his valuables to his adversary for safekeeping. ^[49] but Otori convinced him to surrender, telling him that deciding to live through defeat is the truly courageous way: "If it's dying you want you can do it anytime. "^[50] Enomoto surrendered on May 18, 1869, and accepted the Meiji Emperor's rule. Events 1152 - Henry II of England marries Eleanor of Aquitaine. Year 1869 ( MDCCCLXIX) is a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year The (3 November 1852 — 30 July 1912 or Meiji the Great was the 122nd emperor of Japan according to the traditional order of succession reigning from 3 February The Ezo Republic ceased to exist on June 27, 1869. Events 1358 - Republic of Dubrovnik is founded 1709 - Peter the Great defeats Charles XII of Sweden Year 1869 ( MDCCCLXIX) is a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year

Aftermath

Main article: Meiji period

The 16-year old Meiji Emperor, moving from Kyoto to Tokyo, end of 1868. The, or Meiji era, denotes the 45-year reign of the Meiji Emperor, running in the Gregorian calendar, from 23 October 1868 to 30 July The (3 November 1852 — 30 July 1912 or Meiji the Great was the 122nd emperor of Japan according to the traditional order of succession reigning from 3 February (IPA /kʲoːto / is a city in the central part of the island of Honshū, Japan. officially, is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan and located on the eastern side of the main island Honshū.

Following victory, the new government proceeded with unifying the country under a single, legitimate and powerful rule by the imperial court. The emperor's residence was effectively transferred from Kyoto to Tokyo at the end of 1868. (IPA /kʲoːto / is a city in the central part of the island of Honshū, Japan. officially, is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan and located on the eastern side of the main island Honshū. The military and political power of the domains was progressively eliminated, and the domains themselves were soon transformed into prefectures, whose governors were appointed by the emperor. The was an act in 1871 of the new Meiji government of the Empire of Japan to replace the traditional feudal domain ( han) system and to introduce The prefectures of Japan are the country's 47 sub-national Jurisdictions one "metropolis" (都 to) Tokyo; one " circuit A major reform was the effective expropriation and abolition of the samurai class, allowing many samurai to change into administrative or entrepreneurial positions, but forcing many others into poverty. is the term for the military nobility of Pre-industrial Japan. ^[51] The southern domains of Satsuma, Chōshū and Tosa, having played a decisive role in the victory, occupied most of the key posts in government for several decades following the conflict, a situation sometimes called the "Meiji oligarchy" and formalized with the institution of the genrō. The Meiji Oligarchy, as the new ruling class of Meiji period Japan is known to historians was a privileged clique that exercised imperial power sometimes was an unofficial designation given to certain retired elder Japanese Statesmen, considered the "founding fathers" of modern Japan who served as informal extraconstitutional ^[52] In 1869, the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo was built in honour of the victims of the Boshin War. is a Shinto shrine located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the Kami (spirits of Soldiers ^[53]

Some leading partisans of the former Shogun were imprisoned, but narrowly escaped execution. This clemency derives from the insistence of Saigō Takamori and Iwakura Tomomi, although much weight was placed on the advice of Parkes, the British envoy. was a Japanese Statesman who played an important role in the Meiji Restoration, influencing opinions of the Imperial Court. For the footballer and Chesterfield FC manager of the same name see Harry Parkes (footballer. He had urged Saigō, in the words of Ernest Satow, "that severity towards Keiki [Yoshinobu] or his supporters, especially in the way of personal punishment, would injure the reputation of the new government in the opinion of European Powers. "^[54] After two or three years of imprisonment, most of them were called to serve the new government, and several pursued brilliant careers. Enomoto Takeaki, for instance, would later serve as an envoy to Russia and China and as the education minister. Viscount was a Japanese Navy admiral faithful to the Tokugawa Shogunate, who fought against the new Meiji government until the end of the Boshin ^[55]

The Imperial side did not pursue its objective to expel foreign interests from Japan, but instead shifted to a more progressive policy aiming at the continued modernization of the country and the renegotiation of unequal treaties with foreign powers, later under the "rich country, strong army" (富国強兵, fukoku kyōhei^?) motto. Unequal Treaties is a term used in reference to the type of Treaties signed by several East Asian states including Qing Dynasty China, late Fukoku kyōhei ("Enrich the country strengthen the military" originally a phrase from the ancient Chinese historical work on the Warring States Period, The shift in stance towards the foreigners came during the early days of the civil war: on April 8, 1868, new signboards were erected in Kyoto (and later throughout the country) that specifically repudiated violence against foreigners. ^[56] During the course of the conflict, Emperor Meiji personally received European envoys, first in Kyoto, then later in Osaka and Tokyo. ^[57] Also unprecedented was Emperor Meiji's reception of Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, in Tokyo, "'as his equal in point of blood. Alfred Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (Alfred Ernest Albert 6 August 1844 &ndash 30 July 1900 was the third Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha reigning between 1893 and 1900 '"^[58]

Reception by the Meiji Emperor of the Second French Military Mission to Japan, 1872.

Although the early Meiji era witnessed a warming between the imperial court and foreign powers, relations with France temporarily soured due to the initial support by France for the Shogun. Soon however a second military mission was invited to Japan in 1874, and a third one in 1884. A high level of interaction resumed around 1886, when France helped build the Imperial Japanese Navy's first large-scale modern fleet, under the direction of naval engineer Louis-Émile Bertin. For Combined Fleet, please see that article For Carrier Striking Task Force, please see that article Louis-Émile Bertin (1840-1924 was a French naval engineer one of the foremost of his time and a proponent of the " Jeune École " philosophy of using light ^[59] The modernization of the country had in fact already started extensively during the last years of the Shogunate, and the Meiji government ultimately adopted the same orientation, although it was better able to mobilize the whole country towards modernization in a more efficient way. are the final years of the Edo period when the Tokugawa shogunate came to an end

Saigo Takamori, in his army uniform, with officers of the Satsuma Rebellion

Upon his coronation, Meiji issued his Charter Oath, calling for deliberative assemblies, promising increased opportunities for the common people, abolishing the "evil customs of the past," and seeking knowledge throughout the world "to strengthen the foundations of imperial rule. was one of the most influential Samurai in Japanese history, living during the late Edo Period and early Meiji Era. The was promulgated at the enthronement of Emperor Meiji of Japan on 7 April 1868 "^[60] Prominent reforms of the Meiji government included the 1871 abolition of the domain system, by which the feudal domains and their hereditary rulers were replaced by prefectures with governors appointed by the emperor. The was an act in 1871 of the new Meiji government of the Empire of Japan to replace the traditional feudal domain ( han) system and to introduce The prefectures of Japan are the country's 47 sub-national Jurisdictions one "metropolis" (都 to) Tokyo; one " circuit ^[61] Others included the introduction of compulsory schooling and the abolition of Confucian class distinctions. The reforms culminated in the 1889 issuance of the Meiji Constitution. The, more commonly known as the Imperial or Meiji Constitution, was the fundamental law of the Empire of Japan from 29 November 1890 until 2 May 1947 However, despite the support given to the imperial court by samurai, many of the early Meiji reforms were seen as detrimental to their interests: the creation of a conscript army made of commoners, as well as the loss of hereditary prestige and stipends antagonized many former samurai. ^[62] Tensions ran particularly high in the south, leading to the 1874 Saga Rebellion, and a rebellion in Chōshū in 1876. The 1874 was one of a number of uprisings in Kyūshū against the new Meiji government of Japan by members of the former Samurai Former samurai in Satsuma, led by Saigō Takamori, who had left government over foreign policy differences, started the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877. The, was a revolt of Satsuma ex- Samurai against the Meiji government from January 29 1877 to September 241877 11 years into the Meiji Era. Fighting for the maintenance of the samurai class and a more virtuous government, their slogan was "new government, high morality" (新政厚徳, shinsei kōtoku^?). is the term for the military nobility of Pre-industrial Japan. It ended with a heroic but total defeat at the Battle of Shiroyama. The took place on 1877-09-24, in Kagoshima, Japan It was the final battle of the Satsuma rebellion. ^[63]

Later depictions

A romanticized Japanese vision of the Battle of Hakodate (函館戦争の図), painted circa 1880. The cavalry charge, with a sinking sailship in the background, is led by the leaders of the rebellion in anachronistic samurai attire. ^[64] French soldiers are shown behind the cavalry charge in white trousers. With a modern steam warship visible in the background, imperial troops with modern uniforms are on the right. ^[65]

In modern summaries, the Meiji restoration is often described as a "bloodless revolution" leading to the sudden modernization of Japan. The, also known as the Meiji Ishin, Revolution, or Renewal, was a chain of events that led to enormous changes in Japan 's political and social structure The actual facts of the Boshin War clearly show that the conflict was quite violent: about 120,000 troops were mobilized altogether with roughly 3,500 known casualties. ^[66] Later Japanese depictions of the war tended to be highly romanticized, showing the Shogunal side fighting with traditional methods, against an already modernized Imperial side. And although traditional weapons and techniques were used, both sides employed some of the most modern armaments and fighting techniques of the period: including the ironclad warship, Gatling guns, and fighting techniques learned from Western military advisers. An ironclad was a steam-propelled Warship of the later 19th century protected by Iron or Steel armor plates The Gatling gun is considered by some to have been the first Machine gun: although it did not automatically reload under its own power it was capable of firing continuously

Such Japanese depictions include numerous dramatizations, spanning many genres. Notably, Jirō Asada wrote a four-volume novel of the account, Mibu Gishi-den. Career Asada was born in Tokyo metropolitan city Japan, on 13th of December in 1951 A film adaptation of Asada's work, directed by Yojiro Takita, is known as When the Last Sword Is Drawn. Yojiro Takita (滝田 洋二郎 Takita Yōjirō, born December 4, 1955 in Takaoka Toyama, Japan) is a Japanese Film director is a 2003 Japanese movie directed by Yojiro Takita. It tells the story of two Shinsengumi Samurai, one of whom Saitō Hajime, is A ten-hour television jidaigeki based on the same novel starred Ken Watanabe. is a Genre of Film, Television, and Theatre in Japan. The name means "period drama" and the period is usually the Edo period is an Academy Award -nominated Japanese stage, Film, and Television Actor. The 2001 Goryokaku film is another jidaigeki highlighting the resistance in Hokkaidō. The famous Japanese anime Rurouni Kenshin is set 10 years after the Boshin War. (anime in Japanese, is a Japanese Manga series written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki.

Elsewhere, the 2003 Hollywood movie The Last Samurai combines into a single narrative historical situations belonging both to the Boshin War, the 1877 Satsuma Rebellion, and other similar uprisings of ex-samurai during the early Meiji period. The Last Samurai is a 2003 Drama film / War film directed and co-produced by Edward Zwick, who also co-wrote the Screenplay based on The, was a revolt of Satsuma ex- Samurai against the Meiji government from January 29 1877 to September 241877 11 years into the Meiji Era. The elements of the movie pertaining to the early modernization of Japan's military forces as well as the direct involvement of foreign (mostly French) forces relate to the Boshin War and the few years leading to it. However, the suicidal stand of traditionalist samurai forces led by Saigō Takamori against the modernized Imperial army relate to the much later Satsuma Rebellion. was one of the most influential Samurai in Japanese history, living during the late Edo Period and early Meiji Era.

Notes

References

• Bolitho, Harold (1974). Treasures among Men: The Fudai Daimyo in Tokugawa Japan. New Haven: Yale University Press.  
• Black, John R. (1881). Young Japan: Yokohama and Yedo, Vol. II. London: Trubner & Co. .  
• Brown, Sidney DeVere (1994). Nagasaki in the Meiji Restoration: Choshu loyalists and British arms merchants. Retrieved on 2007-04-28. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1192 - Assassination of Conrad of Montferrat (Conrad I King of Jerusalem, in Tyre, two days after his title
• Collache, Eugène. Eugène Collache was an officer of the French Navy in the 19th century "Une aventure au Japon" Le Tour du Monde, No. 77, 1874
• Evans, David; Mark Peattie (1997). Kaigun: Strategy, Tactics, and Technology in the Imperial Japanese Navy, 1887–1941. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 0-87021-192-7.  
• Gordon, Andrew (2003). A Modern History of Japan. New York: Oxford. ISBN 0-19-511060-9.  
• Hagiwara, Kōichi (2004). 図説 西郷隆盛と大久保利通 (Illustrated life of Saigō Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi) ISBN 4-309-76041-4, 2004 (in Japanese)
• Jansen, Marius B. was one of the most influential Samurai in Japanese history, living during the late Edo Period and early Meiji Era. (10 August 1830 &ndash 14 May 1878 was a Japanese Statesman, a Samurai of Satsuma, and one of the Three great nobles who (2002). The Making of Modern Japan. Harvard. ISBN 0-674-00991-6.  
• Keene, Donald (2005). Donald Lawrence Keene (born June 6 1922 in New York City) is a noted Japanologist, scholar teacher writer translator and interpreter of Emperor of Japan: Meiji and His World, 1852–1912. Columbia. ISBN 0-231-12340-X.  
• Le Monde Illustré, No. Le Monde Illustré was a leading 19th century illustrated Newsmagazine in France. 583, June 13th, 1868
• Polak, Christian (2002). 日仏交流の黄金期　Soie et Lumière, L'Âge d'or des échanges Franco-Japonais (in Japanese and French). Hachette Fujingaho.
• Polak, Christian, et al. (1988). 函館の幕末・維新 "End of the Bakufu and Restoration in Hakodate. " ISBN 4-12-001699-4 (in Japanese).
• Satow, Ernest [1921] (1968). Sir Ernest Mason Satow PC, GCMG, (June 30 1843 - August 26 1929 known in Japan as アーネスト・サトウ was an outstanding British Scholar A Diplomat in Japan. Tokyo: Oxford.  
• Tōgō Shrine and Tōgō Association (東郷神社・東郷会), Togo Heihachiro in Images: Illustrated Meiji Navy (図説東郷平八郎、目で見る明治の海軍), (Japanese)

Further reading

• Jansen, Marius B. (1999). The Cambridge History of Japan Volume 5: The Nineteenth Century, Chapter 5, "The Meiji Restoration". Cambridge. ISBN 0-521-65728-8.  
• Ravina, Mark (2005). The Last Samurai: The Life and Battles of Saigō Takamori. Wiley. ISBN 0-471-70537-3.  

See also

• France-Japan relations (19th century)

External links

• The Boshin War (Japanese)
• The Battle of Ezo (Japanese)
• National Archives of Japan: Boshinshoyo Kinki oyobi Gunki Shinzu, precise reproduction of Imperial Standard and the colors used by Government Army during Boshin War (1868)