‘ 名君 ’ 德川齊昭 의 對民 활동과 그 의의

Tokugawa Nariaki s political performance on the people in Mito-han

Tokugawa Nariaki, the 9th lord of Mito-han, performed various activities on the people in Mito as soon as his inauguration on 1829, meeting with the lower level officials in rural area and even roaming here and there. Many historians and writers considered them as great ruler s people loving episodes. I, however, think that Nariaki s political activities represented the new type of ruler which had emerged gradually from the late 18th century. First, he dared to check the political issues in detail which was exceptional case in Tokugawa politics and hence could be a menace to the Elders establishment( 家老合意體 制 ). Second, Nariaki succeeded in presenting himself people-loving ruler by having wired the communication routes with the lower level officials in rural area. On the other hand, Nariaki s direct connection with the officials of peasants affairs part proved to be effective to suppress the Elders establishment. Third, Nariaki used to roam all around Mito-han during his stay there, having conversations with local people, presenting his possessions to them, even having a night s stay at peasants houses. The peasants seeing their unapproachable lord with their naked eyes was deeply moved and pledged loyalty to the lord. It resulted in politicizing the local people and making easy to mobilize them to the movement in 1840 s of opposing Nariaki s falling from power.