only to answer a few of his questions, just from what i learned,
Serizawa Kamo was assasinated by Hijikata, Okita, Yamanami, Harada
(and another one that I forget or my memory is getting bad), basically
for Kondo to take control over the group. They were fighting over the
groups name and this was one of the reasons. Group politics play a
huge role on the front but in secret it was to get Kondo as the
group's leader. But Hijikata made rules that you can find at this
site that explains a bunch:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinsengumi
the rule that was broken was: not to deviate from the bushido code and
Kamo was doing a bunch. That was the front that was put up but that
was not the real motive. That and to get rid of the ronin that come
with Kamo.
The reason for the Shinsengumi was to pretty much keep the peace in
Kyoto. That and the answered directly to the Aizu and Tokugawa.
Choshu , Satsuma and Tosa clans were the enemies.
Ikedaya incident: Shinsengumi were tipped off by their spy that the
Choshu were going to meet there. Kondo let the group with Okita that
reached the inn first. Huge battle. Also, the first time Okita
coughed up blood. Many Choshu men were killed.
What would cause a ronin to join the Shinsengumi rather than
anyof the other factions? What type of person would join the
Shinsengumi? My guess and opinion, Shinsengumi were noble and fought
for truth. That would be a great cause.
What was Kiyokawa Hachiro's ulterior motive for leading the
> Roshigumi and going to Kyoto? I think from rumors that the Choshu
were amassing there in secret and Kastura Koguru.
anymore questions, just send me a email