Three phases leading to Hakodate

The war unfolded in three phases: the struggle around Toba-Fushimi and Edo, the Northern Coalition's resistance, and the final campaign against the Ezo Republic. Yoshinobu had resigned in hope of reaching a political compromise through a council of domain leaders, but hardliners moved before such an agreement could constrain them. Northern domains continued armed resistance after the shogunate's central position collapsed. The remaining forces withdrew to Hokkaido and established the Ezo Republic. Hakodate was therefore the final problem left after the shogun's resignation and the defeat of earlier resistance.