College of Business and Economics

Department of Management
GROUP ASSIGNMENT FOR THE COURSE HISTORY OF

ETHIOPIA AND THE HORN

Name. ID No.
1. Komo Yohanis............................ 4422/14

2. Wakuma Dibaba........................ 4795/14

3. Zenawu Yirga............................ 4867/14

4. Murad Amano............................ 4566/14

Submitted to: Mr. Taju.A

Submission date: 3/6/2017

1. Oppositions and the Downfall of the Monarchical Regime
The downfall of the Ethiopian monarchy, culminating in the 1974 revolution, was a complex
process fueled by various forms of opposition that had been simmering for decades. These
oppositions, driven by diverse ideologies and grievances, created a perfect storm that
ultimately overwhelmed Emperor Haile Selassie I's regime. Here's a breakdown of the key
oppositional forces and their contributions to the monarchy's demise:

A. Student Movements:

• Ideology: Radical leftist ideologies, including Marxism-Leninism, socialism, and liberation

theology, dominated the student movement. They advocated for land reform, nationalization
of key industries, democratization, and social justice.

• Actions: Student activism emerged in the late 1960s, organizing protests, demonstrations, and
strikes against the perceived inequalities and corruption of the regime. They distributed
pamphlets, held clandestine meetings, and actively mobilized public opinion against the
Emperor's rule. Slogans like "Land to the Tiller" resonated deeply with the peasantry.

• Impact: Students became the intellectual vanguard of the revolution, articulating grievances
and providing a theoretical framework for change. They radicalized segments of the population
and played a crucial role in disseminating anti-monarchical sentiment.

B. Landless Peasants and Rural Unrest:

• Grievances: The vast majority of the Ethiopian population were landless peasants subjected
to exploitative feudal relations with landlords. They faced crushing poverty, lack of access to
resources, and arbitrary rule.

• Actions: While largely unorganized initially, peasant discontent manifested in localized

rebellions and resistance against landlords and government officials. The Woyane rebellion in
Tigray (1943) and similar smaller-scale uprisings foreshadowed the potential for widespread
rural unrest.

• Impact: Peasant grievances provided fertile ground for revolutionary movements. The
student-led slogan "Land to the Tiller" directly addressed their needs and contributed to the
mass mobilization that eventually toppled the regime.

C. Eritrean Separatist Movements:

• Motivation: The annexation of Eritrea by Ethiopia in 1962 sparked a long and bloody armed
struggle for independence led by movements like the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) and later
the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF).

• Actions: These groups engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Ethiopian army, diverting
resources and undermining the government's legitimacy both domestically and internationally.

• Impact: The Eritrean conflict drained the Ethiopian treasury, exposed the weakness of the
military, and created a climate of instability. It also served as a model for other ethnic-based
insurgencies.

D. Intellectuals and Dissident Elites:

• Motivations: Disgruntled government officials, intellectuals, and educated Ethiopians grew

increasingly critical of the Emperor's autocratic rule, corruption, and perceived stagnation. They
sought greater political participation, accountability, and modernization.

• Actions: They engaged in clandestine writing, circulating pamphlets and critiques of the
government. Some joined underground movements, while others attempted to work within the
existing system to promote reform.

• Impact: They contributed to the intellectual ferment that challenged the legitimacy of the
monarchy and helped to articulate alternative visions for Ethiopia's future.

E. The Military:

• Grievances: Soldiers faced poor living conditions, inadequate equipment, and bureaucratic
inefficiency. Junior officers, in particular, were frustrated by the corruption and perceived
incompetence of the senior leadership.

2. The Ethiopian Student Movement and Their Contribution to the End

of the Imperial Period
The Ethiopian Student Movement was a pivotal force in challenging the imperial
regime and advocating for social and political change. Emerging in the 1960s, the
movement was primarily composed of university students and young intellectuals
who were disillusioned with the feudal system and

the monarchy's failure to address Ethiopia's deep-rooted socio-economic issues.

They criticized the imperial government for its lack of democracy, widespread
corruption, and failure to implement meaningful land reforms.

The movement gained momentum through protests, strikes, and the

dissemination of revolutionary ideas. Students organized demonstrations in Addis
Ababa and other major cities, demanding an end to the monarchy and the
establishment of a more equitable society. Their activism was not limited to
Ethiopia; Ethiopian students abroad also played a crucial role in raising awareness
about the regime's injustices and garnering international support for their cause.

The movement's ideas and actions significantly influenced the broader

population, including the military. By the early 1970s, the student movement had
effectively delegitimized the imperial regime, paving the way for its collapse. In
1974, the Derg, a military committee, overthrew Emperor Haile Selassie, partly
inspired by the student movement's calls for revolution. Thus, the Ethiopian
Student Movement was instrumental in bringing an end to the imperial period
and ushering in a new era of political change.

3. Key Developments During the Period of the Yejju Dynasty

The Yejju dynasty, which ruled Ethiopia during the Zemene Mesafint or "Era of the
Princes" (1769–1855), was a period marked by political fragmentation and
regional power struggles. The Yejju rulers, of Oromo origin, dominated the
Ethiopian political scene by controlling the imperial throne through puppet
emperors. One of the key developments during this period was the
decentralization of power, as regional lords (Ras) wielded significant authority,
often at the expense of the central government.
The Yejju dynasty's rule was characterized by constant warfare and shifting
alliances among regional leaders. Despite the instability, the dynasty

managed to maintain a degree of control over the Ethiopian highlands.

However, their authority was often challenged by rival factions, leading to

prolonged conflicts.

The period also saw the decline of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church's influence, as
regional leaders prioritized political power over religious unity.

Another significant development was the rise of Oromo influence in Ethiopian

politics. The Yejju rulers, being Oromo, integrated Oromo cultural and political
practices into the Ethiopian state, which had long been dominated by Amhara and
Tigrayan elites. This period laid the groundwork for future Oromo involvement in
Ethiopian politics.

The Yejju dynasty's rule came to an end with the rise of Kassa Hailu, who later
became Emperor Tewodros II. Tewodros unified Ethiopia and ended the Zemene
Mesafint, restoring centralized authority and marking the beginning of modern
Ethiopia.

4. Major Battles Fought Against Foreign Aggressors and

Patriotism
Ethiopia's history is marked by several major battles against foreign aggressors,
which have become symbols of Ethiopian patriotism and resistance. One of the
most famous battles was the Battle of Adwa in 1896, where Ethiopian forces, led
by Emperor Menelik II, defeated the Italian army. This victory was a defining
moment in African history, as it demonstrated that an African nation could
successfully resist European colonialism. The Battle of Adwa solidified Ethiopia's
independence and inspired anti-colonial movements across the continent.

Another significant conflict was the Italo-Ethiopian War (1935–1936), during

which Fascist Italy invaded Ethiopia. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned,
Ethiopian forces, led by Emperor Haile Selassie, fought valiantly. Although Italy
temporarily occupied Ethiopia, the resistance continued throughout the
occupation, with Ethiopian patriots engaging in

guerrilla warfare. The eventual liberation of Ethiopia in 1941, with the help of
Allied forces, further reinforced the nation's spirit of patriotism.

These battles not only showcased Ethiopia's military prowess but also fostered a
strong sense of national identity and unity. The resistance against foreign
aggressors became a source of pride and a testament to Ethiopia's enduring
sovereignty.

5. Manifestations of British and American Dominance in Ethiopia's

Domestic and Foreign Affairs (1940s–1950s)
During the 1940s and 1950s, Ethiopia's domestic and foreign affairs were
significantly influenced by British and American dominance. Following the
liberation from Italian occupation in 1941, Ethiopia became a focal point of British
strategic interests in East Africa. The British played a key role in restoring Emperor
Haile Selassie to the throne and provided military and economic assistance to
rebuild the country. However, British influence was often seen as overbearing,
particularly in regions like Eritrea, where British administration sought to
integrate the territory into its sphere of influence.

In the 1950s, American dominance became more pronounced as the Cold War
intensified. The United States viewed Ethiopia as a strategic ally in its efforts to
counter Soviet influence in Africa. This led to significant American investment in
Ethiopia's infrastructure, education, and military. The Kagnew Station, a U.S.
military base in Eritrea, became a symbol of American presence in the region.
Additionally, the U.S. provided economic aid and technical assistance, which
helped modernize Ethiopia's economy but also tied the country to American
geopolitical interests.
Both British and American dominance had profound effects on Ethiopia's
domestic policies. The emperor's government often aligned its decisions with the
interests of these foreign powers, sometimes at the expense of

local needs. For example, land reforms and democratization were delayed

due to fears of destabilizing the pro-Western regime. This period of foreign

influence shaped Ethiopia's political and economic trajectory, leaving a lasting
impact on its development.