The Charter Oath was issued just months after the Meiji Restoration brought an end to the Tokugawa Shogunate and installed a new Japanese government. Issued under the name of the Emperor Meiji, the text was written by a group of young samurai who had helped “restore” imperial rule. The Charter Oath appeared at a time of uncertainty in Japanese society, as people throughout the country were unsure of the intentions and priorities of the new regime governing Japan.
The Charter Oath, 1868
By this oath we set up as our aim the establishment of the national weal [well-being or welfare of a country] on a broad basis and framing of a constitution and laws.
Deliberative assemblies shall be widely established and all matters decided by public discussion.
All classes, high and low, shall unite in vigorously carrying out the administration of affairs of state.
The common people, no less than the civil and military officials, shall each be allowed to pursue his own calling so that there may be no discontent.
Evil customs of the past shall be broken off and everything based upon the just laws of Nature.
Knowledge shall be sought throughout the world so as to strengthen the foundations of imperial rule.
Source: Charter Oath (Of the Meiji Restoration), 1861 from Asia for Educators, Columbia University.
Annotations:
Historical context:
Intended audience:
Purpose:
Point of view:
Historical context: The Charter Oath was issued in 1868, just after the Meiji Restoration which marked the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the establishment of a new government in Japan. The country was undergoing significant political and social changes during this time.
Intended audience: The Charter Oath was addressed to the people of Japan, as it aimed to address their uncertainties and communicate the intentions of the new government.
Purpose: The purpose of the Charter Oath was to outline the goals and principles of the new government. It aimed to establish a strong and prosperous nation through the establishment of a constitution, public discussion and participation, unity among different social classes, freedom in pursuing individual callings, the abandonment of oppressive traditions, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Point of view: The Charter Oath was written by a group of young samurai who had played a role in restoring imperial rule. Their point of view can be seen as representing the interests and perspectives of those who sought to modernize and transform Japan into a strong and prosperous nation.