... Their efforts are, in large part, responsible for the unification of Japan. A large reason for Sakamato Ryoma's hero status is due to his assassination following the establishment of the Meiji government. He, unlike many of the other Men of High Purpose, was never tarnished by the despotism and militarism that occurred later on. The Japanese people point to Ryoma as a truly democratic man, who would have created a free democracy, and stop the militarism that would eventually lead Japan to utter disaster. One question to be asked is: Would Ryoma have been able to create a democracy in Japan, or was oligarchy and militarism the only possible course? ...

See this essay or coursework document in full right now