Republic of Ezo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Republic of Ezo
蝦夷共和国 Ezo Kyōwakoku
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| 1869 | |||||||||
 Literally, "Seal of the Governor General of Hokuitō (Hokkaido)". Used by Enomoto Takeaki during the Ezo Republic period
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Location of Ezo
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| Status | Unrecognized state | ||||||||
| Capital | Hakodate | ||||||||
| Common languages | Japanese, Ainu | ||||||||
| Government | Republic | ||||||||
| President | |||||||||
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• 1869
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Enomoto Takeaki | ||||||||
| Vice President | |||||||||
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• 1869
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Matsudaira Tarō | ||||||||
| Historical era | Bakumatsu | ||||||||
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• Established
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January 27, 1869 [Old Style December 15, 1868] 1869 | ||||||||
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• Disestablished
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June 27, 1869 | ||||||||
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| Today part of |  Japan |
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The Republic of Ezo (pronounced "Eh-zo") was a very short-lived country in Japan. It was formed in 1869 by a group of soldiers who used to work for the old Japanese government, called the Tokugawa shogunate. This new country was on the island of Ezo, which is now known as Hokkaido. Ezo is special because it was the first time anyone tried to create a democracy in Japan. A democracy is a type of government where people get to vote for their leaders.
Contents
Who Were the Leaders of Ezo?
The Republic of Ezo was led by several important people. These leaders were mostly former samurai and military officers who wanted to keep their way of life after the old government fell.
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Enomoto Takeaki was the president of the Republic of Ezo.
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Otori Keisuke was the Commander-in-Chief of the Ezo army.
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Arai Ikunosuke was the Commander of the Ezo Navy.
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Hijikata Toshizō was a famous samurai leader of the Shinsengumi.
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Jules Brunet was a French military advisor who helped the Ezo forces.
Why Was the Republic of Ezo Formed?
The Republic of Ezo was created during a big change in Japan called the Meiji Restoration. For hundreds of years, Japan was ruled by a military government called the shogunate. But in the mid-1800s, the Emperor's supporters wanted to bring back the Emperor's power. This led to a civil war known as the Boshin War.
The End of the Shogunate
The Emperor's forces won many battles. The last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, gave up his power. However, some of his loyal followers and soldiers did not want to surrender. They wanted to continue fighting for the old ways.
Journey to Ezo
Led by Enomoto Takeaki, many of these former shogunate forces sailed north to the island of Ezo. They hoped to create a new, independent country there. They arrived in Ezo in late 1868.
How Was Ezo Governed?
The leaders of Ezo wanted to create a modern government. They held an election, which was very new for Japan at the time.
Choosing a President
The soldiers and leaders voted for their president. This was a big step towards democracy. Enomoto Takeaki was elected as the first and only president of the Republic of Ezo.
Building a New Government
The Republic of Ezo set up its main government building at Goryōkaku, a star-shaped fort in Hakodate. They tried to run their new country with rules and leaders, much like Western countries. They even had foreign advisors, like the French officer Jules Brunet, who helped them organize their army.
What Happened to the Republic of Ezo?
The new Imperial Japanese government did not recognize the Republic of Ezo as a real country. They saw it as a rebellion.
Imperial Forces Arrive
In the spring of 1869, the Imperial Japanese Navy and army sailed to Ezo. They wanted to take control of the island and end the republic.
The Final Battles
There were several battles between the Imperial forces and the Ezo Republic's army. The most important was the Naval Battle of Hakodate Bay. The Imperial forces had more ships and soldiers, and they were stronger.
The End of the Republic
The Republic of Ezo lasted only a few months. On June 27, 1869, the Ezo forces surrendered. The island of Ezo was officially renamed Hokkaido, and it became part of the new Imperial Japan. Many of the leaders of Ezo, including Enomoto Takeaki, were captured. However, they were later forgiven and even served in the new Japanese government.
Images for kids
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Troops of the former shogunate being transported to Ezo (Hokkaido) in 1868.
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The fleet led by Enomoto Takeaki, anchored off Shinagawa before their journey.
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The government building of the Republic of Ezo at Goryōkaku.
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French military advisors and their Japanese allies in Ezo.
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The Naval Battle of Hakodate Bay in May 1869.
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Enomoto Takeaki, the President of Ezo.
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Hijikata Toshizō, a commander of the Shinsengumi.
See also
- Goryōkaku
In Spanish: República de Ezo para niños
