The Takeover - End Of Shogun
From 1867 to 1868,young samurai from Satsuma and Choshu were fed up and angry because the Tokugawa shogunate signed unequal treaties with Western countries after Commodore Perry's arrival , which made Japan look weak and unable to protect itself. Power was returned to Emperor Meiji (who was only 15 years old !), there was a quick civil war (called the Boshin war), and the old shogun system was gone forever.
The Charter Oath ( made in April 1868) defined the basic aims and course of action for the new government after the throwover of the Tokugawa Shogunate . It was considered the first constitution of modern Japan. It promised deliberative assemblies, unity among classes, breaking old customs, and seeking knowledge worldwide to strengthen the country.
