Bakumatsu

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From the early 17th century until the 1860s, Japan was under the rule of samurai led by the Tokugawa Shoguns. The long peace following years of civil war diminished the warriors' martial skills. In the 1850s, as industrialized Western powers showed interest in Japan, a period of significant reforms known as Bakumatsu began. This era saw Japan painfully shed its old taboos: modern weaponry introduced new tactics, and uniforms replaced the samurai's traditional attire, allowing even non-samurai to take up arms. By the 1870s, under Emperor Meiji, Japan had transformed, leaving behind its ancient warrior elite. The third volume from Zeughaus Verlag offers a comprehensive overview of the conflicting factions and their military reforms. Readers are introduced to various combatants, from efficient infantry to the valiant members of the Shinsengumi. The narrative illustrates the transition from proud samurai to makeshift militias fighting for a lost cause. Detailed accounts of tactics, arms, clothing, and equipment are provided, alongside descriptions of the pivotal campaigns and battles between 1866 and 1869, highlighting the key figures in this struggle that marked Japan's emergence on the world stage.