Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Shinsengumi

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French version

Shinsengumi

新選組新撰組
alternative words: Shinsen gumi, Shinsen-gumi
keywords: meiji revolution , office
related topics: Bakumatsu , Meiji revolution , Edo shogunate
related web sites: http://www.toshizo.com , http://www.geocities.com/oozarumayo/shinsengumi.html , http://www.interq.or.jp/tokyo/toshizo/
explanation: In 1862, in order to assure the security of Kyoto city, Edo shogunate formed a special police force by recruiting among masterless samurai and farmers good in sword technique. Initially called Roshitai, after an internal conflict, Serizawa Kamo then Kondo Isami and Hijikata Toshizo took the control of group and the name changed to Shinsengumi. They provoked terrors among pro imperial samurai with Ikedaya incident in 1864. Shinsengumi disappeared with the defeat of Tokugawa regime in 1868.