In this book he fiercely criticized the theories valuing the restoration of imperial rule, as well as, the supporters of bakufu (Japanese feudal government headed by a shogun), the pro-imperial, and the domain clique, positioning the Meiji Restoration as 'the revolution in a revolutionary time,' and in this revolution the citizens themselves demonstrated their vitality, facing at the critical situations within and outside of the country.
この中で明治維新を内外の危機的状況で国民の活力が発揮された「乱世的革命」と位置づけて王政復古史観や佐幕・勤皇・藩閥論に対して強く批判した。