Saigo Takamori and The Satsuma

Saigo Takamori was a samurai of Satsuma and a famous figure in Japan. He became the Satsuma general, and its undisputed military leader in 1871 after a conspirator assassinated the former military leader.

In December 1871 important Meji government officials led a mission sent overseas to revise the unequal treaties placed on Japan. Saigo is quoted to have said “ It would be a good thing if the boat carrying the mission members sank to the bottom of the ocean.”

This shows Saigo’s resentment of the new government leaders

Saigo represented feudalism and the old military classes. His interest were based on:

• Unifying Japan by buying out the local Daimyos. This was an attack on Satsuma’s local independence and would bring them under the control of the Meji government.

• National unity. This involved the destruction of the Samurais privileges.

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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 682
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)