G3
G3
The period from 1941 to 1974 witnessed significant socio-economic and political
developments in the country. During World War II, the country was occupied by the
Axis Powers, which severely affected the economy and the social fabric of the
country. However, after the war, the country underwent a period of rapid
modernization and development, which transformed it into one of the most prosperous
nations in Europe.
One of the major socio-economic developments during this period was the growth of
industrialization, which led to the creation of a modern industrial sector. The
government promoted the development of heavy industry, such as steel and chemical
production, which helped to create employment opportunities and increase the
country's GDP.
Another significant development was the expansion of the welfare state, which
provided citizens with access to healthcare, education, and social security. In addition,
the government introduced reforms aimed at reducing poverty and inequality, such as
the housing reform, which provided affordable housing to low-income families.
In conclusion, the period from 1941 to 1974 was marked by significant socio-
economic and political developments in the country. From the devastation of war to
rapid modernization and democratization, the country underwent a remarkable
transformation that shaped its history and identity.
2 .The British and the Americans had varying degrees of role and influence in Ethiopia's domestic
and foreign affairs in the post-liberation period. Here is a more detailed assessment of their
involvement:
2. Foreign Affairs:
- The British had a considerable influence on Ethiopia's relations with other countries.
- They provided diplomatic support to Ethiopia, particularly during territorial disputes with Sudan
and Somalia.
- The British helped Ethiopia regain control over Eritrea, which was under British administration
after World War II.
- They played a role in Ethiopia's accession to the United Nations and provided diplomatic backing
on international platforms.
2. Foreign Affairs:
- The United States considered Ethiopia a key ally in the region due to its strategic location.
- They supported Ethiopia in its efforts to maintain stability in the Horn of Africa and counter the
influence of other powers.
- The U.S. provided diplomatic support to Ethiopia in its conflicts with neighboring countries, such as
Somalia and Sudan.
- They assisted Ethiopia in securing foreign investment and loans for economic development.
- The U.S. also played a role in supporting Ethiopia's position on international platforms.
It is important to note that the extent and nature of British and American involvement in Ethiopia's
domestic and foreign affairs were influenced by their own geopolitical interests at the time. The
British aimed to maintain influence in the region and protect their colonial interests, while the
Americans sought to contain communism during the Cold War and secure access to strategic
resources. Ethiopia's leaders also had agency in shaping their country's affairs and pursued their own
interests alongside the assistance provided by the British and the Americans.
3.The Ethiopian Student Movement was a political movement that originated in the
1960s and aimed to bring about political and social change in Ethiopia. The
movement was largely made up of university students and was inspired by the global
student movement of the time.
One of the key factors that led to the development of the movement was the
dissatisfaction with the government of Emperor Haile Selassie. Many students felt
that the government was corrupt and repressive, and that it was not doing enough to
address the country's social and economic problems.
The movement began to gain momentum in the late 1960s, with student protests and
demonstrations becoming increasingly common. The movement's demands included
greater political freedom, an end to government corruption, and the promotion of
social justice.
The movement was met with a harsh response from the government, with many
students being arrested and imprisoned. However, the movement continued to grow in
strength throughout the 1970s, and was a key factor in the overthrow of the
government in 1974.
Overall, the Ethiopian Student Movement was an important political and social
movement in Ethiopia's history. It played a key role in bringing about political change
and promoting greater social justice, and continues to be remembered and celebrated
by many Ethiopians today.
4 .Ethiopia is a country that has a rich and complex history, and peasant rebellions
have played a significant role in shaping the country's political landscape. Some of the
major peasant rebellions in Ethiopia include the following:
1. The Qemant revolt: This was a rebellion that took place in the early 18th century in
the present-day Amhara region of Ethiopia. The Qemant people revolted against the
oppressive rule of the Abyssinian emperor, Yohannes I. The rebellion was initially
successful, but it was eventually crushed by the emperor's forces.
2. The Woyane rebellion: This was a rebellion that took place in the mid-1940s in the
Tigray region of Ethiopia. The Woyane rebels were peasants who were opposed to
the rule of the Ethiopian emperor, Haile Selassie. The rebellion was eventually
defeated by the emperor's forces, but it had a significant impact on Ethiopian politics
and paved the way for the overthrow of Haile Selassie in 1974.
3. The Bale rebellion: This was a rebellion that took place in the Bale region of Ethiopia
in the 1960s. The rebellion was led by the Oromo people, who were opposed to the
rule of the Ethiopian government. The rebellion was eventually crushed by the
government's forces, but it had a significant impact on the Oromo people's struggle
for autonomy and recognition.
5.The 1960 coup attempt in Ethiopia, also known as the Imperial Guard coup, was a
significant event in the country's history. Here's an explanation of the causes, course,
and consequences of the coup attempt:
Causes:
1. Political and Economic Grievances: The coup attempt was primarily driven by
dissatisfaction among military officers and elements within the Ethiopian aristocracy
with the government of Emperor Haile Selassie. They were discontented with the lack
of political reforms, perceived corruption, and socioeconomic inequalities.
Course:
1. Planning and Execution: The coup attempt was planned and executed by a group of
military officers, primarily from the Imperial Bodyguard (known as the Kebur
Zabagna). On December 13, 1960, the conspirators launched their operation, aiming
to seize key government installations, including the palace, radio station, and strategic
military positions.
2. Initial Success and Subsequent Failure: The coup initially achieved some success,
with the conspirators gaining control of the palace and other targets. However, they
failed to secure the support of the broader military and faced resistance from loyalist
forces. Emperor Haile Selassie managed to escape and sought foreign assistance,
while loyalist military units loyal to the emperor launched a counteroffensive.
3. Suppression and Aftermath: The coup attempt was suppressed by loyalist forces
within a few days. Many of the conspirators were captured, and some were executed
or imprisoned. Emperor Haile Selassie returned to power and reasserted control over
the country, taking measures to consolidate his authority and prevent further
challenges to his rule.
Consequences:
Overall, the 1960 coup attempt in Ethiopia was a significant event that reflected the
discontent and aspirations for change within the military and broader society. While
the coup failed, it had lasting consequences on Ethiopian politics and set the stage for
future political developments in the country.
6.The 1974 Revolution, also known as the Carnation Revolution, was a swift and
relatively bloodless coup that took place in Portugal. Here is a brief analysis of its
causes, course, and consequences:
Causes:
2. Colonial Wars: Portugal's costly and protracted colonial wars in Africa drained
resources and led to discontent among the military and civilians.
Course:
1. Military Coup: On April 25, 1974, the Armed Forces Movement (MFA) carried out
a coup, swiftly overthrowing the authoritarian regime.
2. Popular Support: The coup gained significant popular support, with civilians
demanding democratic reforms and an end to the colonial wars.
3. Transition to Democracy: A transitional government was established, leading to a
democratically elected government and political liberalization.
Consequences:
5. NATO and European Integration: Portugal joined NATO and later became a
member of the European Economic Community (now the European Union).
7.The Derg was a socialist military junta that ruled Ethiopia from 1974 to 1987.
During their time in power, they carried out several socio-economic reforms aimed at
improving the lives of ordinary Ethiopians. One of the most significant reforms was
the nationalization of land, which aimed to address issues of landlessness and ensure
equitable distribution of land.
The Derg also nationalized industries, banks, and other sectors of the economy, with
the goal of reducing economic inequality and increasing access to essential goods and
services. They also implemented a minimum wage policy, which aimed to improve
the living standards of workers and reduce poverty.
Another significant reform was the expansion of education and healthcare services.
The Derg aimed to provide free education and healthcare to all Ethiopians, regardless
of their socio-economic status. They also implemented a literacy campaign, which
aimed to reduce illiteracy rates and improve access to education.
Despite these reforms, the Derg's rule was marked by human rights abuses, political
repression, and economic mismanagement, which ultimately led to their downfall.
However, some of their socio-economic reforms had a lasting impact on Ethiopia and
continue to influence the country's development today.
8. The Derg regime in Ethiopia fell in 1991 due to multiple factors. One of the
fundamental reasons was the widespread discontent among the Ethiopian people due
to the regime's brutal tactics, human rights violations, and economic mismanagement.
The immediate factors that led to the fall of the Derg regime were the success of the
Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) in the Ethiopian Civil
War and the support they received from the Soviet Union.
Additionally, the EPRDF was able to gain support from various ethnic groups in
Ethiopia, which helped to weaken the Derg's grip on power. The EPRDF also engaged
in effective propaganda campaigns, which helped to sway public opinion in their
favor. Finally, the Derg regime was unable to adapt to the changing global political
climate and was left isolated in the international community. These factors all
contributed to the eventual fall of the Derg regime in Ethiopia.
After assuming power, the EPRDF government took several measures to consolidate
its power and implement its policies. One of the significant steps was the adoption of
a new constitution in 1995, which recognized Ethiopia as a federal state comprising
nine regional states and two city administrations. The constitution also recognized the
rights of ethnic groups to self-determination, including the right to establish their own
regional states.
The EPRDF government also implemented various policies to address the country's
economic challenges, including privatization of state-owned enterprises, liberalization
of the economy, and attracting foreign investment. The government also initiated
several social policies, including expanding access to education and healthcare and
addressing gender inequality.