Historical Encyclopedia
The history of Ethiopia in the 20th century was marked by significant political, economic, and social changes. It was a period of struggle for independence and modernization, as well as a time of transition from monarchical rule to a socialist republic and democracy. Throughout the century, Ethiopia experienced several major events, including the Italian invasion, the reforms of Emperor Haile Selassie, the rise of a Marxist military junta, and the subsequent struggle for democracy. The events of the 20th century had a profound influence on modern Ethiopia, its social and economic development, as well as its international relations.
In 1935, Italy, led by Benito Mussolini, launched its second invasion of Ethiopia. Despite the desperate resistance of the Ethiopians and the support the country received from the League of Nations, Italian troops captured Addis Ababa in May 1936. Emperor Haile Selassie was forced to leave the country and appealed to the League of Nations for help, delivering a famous speech calling on the world community to resist aggression. However, the League of Nations was unable to intervene effectively, and Ethiopia remained under Italian occupation until 1941.
During World War II, with the support of British troops, Ethiopia restored its independence. Allied forces entered Ethiopia, and Haile Selassie returned to the throne in 1941. The liberation became an important symbol for African peoples, inspiring them to fight for independence from colonial powers. Ethiopia, being one of the few independent African countries, became a significant participant in the decolonization movement and influenced self-determination processes on the continent.
After returning to the throne, Haile Selassie began modernizing and reforming Ethiopia, seeking to transform the country into a strong and independent state. The emperor carried out a series of reforms aimed at strengthening central authority and improving governance. One of the first reforms was the creation of the 1955 Constitution, which proclaimed the monarchy as constitutional, although real power remained concentrated in the hands of the emperor. The constitution provided for legislative bodies and civil rights, but their influence was limited.
Throughout his reign, Haile Selassie aimed to develop the economy and social sphere. Significant investments were made in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The emperor focused on improving roads, building new schools and hospitals, which contributed to urban infrastructure development and societal modernization. However, many reforms were superficial and did not address deep social and land issues, leading to discontent in society.
In the 20th century, Ethiopia played a significant role on the international stage. The country was one of the founders of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, which was established to support the decolonization process and strengthen the independence of African states. Ethiopia also actively participated in the UN and other international organizations, advocating for peaceful conflict resolution and respect for national sovereignty. Addis Ababa became the center of diplomatic activity in Africa, which contributed to its status as the capital of the African continent.
Haile Selassie actively supported the movement for independence of African countries from European colonial rule. He became a symbol of the struggle for freedom and justice in Africa. His efforts to strengthen African unity and solidarity helped inspire many countries to fight for independence, making Ethiopia one of the key countries in the African political landscape.
By the early 1970s, discontent with the Haile Selassie regime was growing in Ethiopia. Economic difficulties, drought, famine, and the lack of serious reforms led to criticism of the emperor and protests in society. In 1974, the military took power, overthrowing the emperor and proclaiming the establishment of a Military Administrative Council known as the Derg. This revolution marked the end of centuries of monarchy in Ethiopia and the beginning of a new era in the country's history.
The Derg, under the leadership of Mengistu Haile Mariam, established a Marxist-Leninist regime in the country. In 1975, all private property was nationalized, and land was transferred to state control. Large-scale collectivization began, which met significant resistance from peasants and led to numerous internal conflicts. The country's economy suffered from this policy, and despite attempts to improve the situation for workers and peasants, economic conditions in the country deteriorated.
One of the most tragic events during the Derg's rule was the famine that engulfed the northern regions of the country from 1983 to 1985. Drought and ineffective agricultural policies led to mass starvation that claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians. A major relief campaign unfolded worldwide, drawing international attention to the dire situation in Ethiopia. The famine became a symbol of the people's suffering and the vulnerability of the authoritarian regime.
The Derg's rule was also marked by brutal repression. Political opponents were arrested and executed, and the government sought to suppress any dissent. Repression affected all layers of society, and this period became known as the "Red Terror." Thousands of people were killed or imprisoned, leading to growing discontent and resistance against the regime.
In the 20th century, Ethiopia also faced a conflict with Eritrea, which sought independence. The Eritrean Liberation Front waged an armed struggle against Ethiopian authorities for several decades. This conflict intensified during the Derg's rule when Eritrean independence was officially suppressed, and the country remained part of Ethiopia. However, by the end of the 20th century, after overthrowing the Derg regime, Eritrea achieved independence and became a sovereign state in 1993.
Civil conflicts also continued to tear Ethiopia apart. Against the backdrop of economic difficulties and repression, uprisings began in various regions of the country, especially in the north and east. National and ethnic groups demanded autonomy and opposed the central government. These conflicts undermined stability and further complicated the situation in the country.
By the late 1980s, the Derg regime weakened under the pressure of internal conflicts and international sanctions. In 1991, after years of armed struggle and efforts by opposition movements, Mengistu Haile Mariam's regime was overthrown. He fled to Zimbabwe, and power in the country passed to a transitional government led by the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), which proclaimed a course towards democratic reforms.
With the establishment of the new government, a process of democratization began in the country. In 1994, a new constitution was adopted, establishing a federal state structure and enshrining the rights of nationalities to self-determination. The first multiparty elections were held in 1995, and Meles Zenawi became the Prime Minister. The new government's course aimed to stabilize the country, modernize the economy, and establish democratic norms.
After the fall of the Derg and the establishment of a democratic regime, Ethiopia began to rebuild its economy and develop its infrastructure. In the 1990s, the government carried out a series of reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment and creating favorable conditions for private enterprise. The country received support from international organizations such as the World Bank and IMF, which contributed to economic growth and infrastructure modernization.
Social reforms focused on improving the population's living standards, developing education and healthcare. The government worked to expand access to medical care and education, significantly improving indicators in healthcare and literacy. Despite difficulties and lingering issues, Ethiopia was able to achieve significant progress towards sustainable development.
The 20th century was a time of significant changes and transformations for Ethiopia. From the monarchy of Haile Selassie to the Marxist rule of the Derg and the subsequent transition to democracy—each era left a deep mark on the country's history. Ethiopia endured numerous trials such as the Italian occupation, famine, civil wars, and economic crises but maintained its independence and cultural identity.
Today's Ethiopia inherits the rich history of the 20th century, which shaped its modern face. The country continues to develop and strive for stability, using the lessons of the past and aiming for progress. The history of Ethiopia in the 20th century is a testament to the resilience and strength of a people who, despite hardships, managed to preserve their culture, independence, and aspiration for a better future.