History Assignment Done
History Assignment Done
The rise of the Gibe monarchies in Ethiopia can be attributed to various socio-economic and political
factors, including:
- **Geographic Diversity:** The Gibe region's varied geography facilitated the emergence of local
power structures and allowed different ethnic groups to establish their own monarchies.
- **Trade and Economy:** The region's involvement in trade routes and agricultural production
fostered economic prosperity, enabling local leaders to consolidate power.
- **Political Fragmentation:** The decline of central authority during the late medieval period led to
increased local autonomy, allowing various groups to assert their dominance.
- **Cultural Identity:** Ethnic and cultural identities played a significant role, as different groups
sought to preserve their traditions and governance structures in the face of external pressures.
Emperor Tewodros II implemented several administrative policies and military reforms aimed at
strengthening the central authority and modernizing the military:
- **Military Reforms:** Tewodros modernized the Ethiopian army by organizing it into a more
disciplined and structured force, incorporating European military tactics and technologies.
- **Outcomes:** His reforms improved military effectiveness but also led to resistance from powerful
local leaders. Ultimately, Tewodros’ centralization efforts contributed to both the strengthening of the
state and the emergence of significant opposition.
3. **Lij Iyasu’s Efforts to Reform the Justice System and Police Force:**
Lij Iyasu sought to modernize Ethiopia’s justice system and police force by:
- **Establishing New Legal Frameworks:** He aimed to implement reforms that would integrate
traditional practices with modern legal principles.
- **Police Force Reorganization:** Iyasu worked on creating a more organized police force to enforce
laws and protect citizens effectively.
- **Outcome:** While he had ambitious plans for reform, his reign was short-lived, and many
initiatives did not achieve their intended impact due to political instability.
- **Internal Factors:** The desire to unify and strengthen the empire against external threats,
particularly in the context of colonization.
- **External Factors:** The scramble for Africa and pressure from European powers prompted
Menilek to expand Ethiopia’s territory to secure its sovereignty.
- **Strategic Alliances:** He formed alliances with various local leaders, consolidating power and
facilitating military campaigns.
5. **Comparison of Administrative Systems of Emperors Tewodros II, Yohannes IV, and Menilek II:**
- **Tewodros II:** Focused on centralizing power, reducing the influence of the nobility, and
modernizing the military. His foreign policy emphasized resisting colonial encroachment.
- **Yohannes IV:** Continued Tewodros’ centralization efforts but faced conflicts with both external
enemies and internal rivals. His foreign policy included alliances with neighboring powers.
- **Menilek II:** Expanded Ethiopia’s territory significantly, adopting a more pragmatic foreign policy
that allowed for diplomacy and military action. He successfully resisted colonialism, particularly during
the Battle of Adwa.
- **Geographic Location:** Addis Ababa was chosen for its central location, providing better access to
various regions of Ethiopia.
- **Economic Opportunities:** The area was conducive to trade and commerce, facilitating economic
growth.
- **Strategic Military Advantage:** Its elevation and location offered defense benefits against
potential invasions.
- **Preservation of Independence:** Ethiopia remained one of the few African nations not colonized
during the Scramble for Africa.
- **Pan-African Inspiration:** The victory inspired anti-colonial movements across the continent.
- **International Recognition:** It elevated Ethiopia's status on the global stage, leading to diplomatic
recognition.
- **Strengthening National Identity:** The victory fostered a sense of unity and national pride among
Ethiopians.
- **Achievements:**
- **Weaknesses:**
- **Infrastructure Development:** The Italians built roads, schools, and health facilities, albeit for their
colonial administration.
- **Repression of Rights:** Harsh measures against dissent and promotion of racial segregation during
occupation.
- **Centralization Policies:** Leaders like Dejazmach Belay Zeleke opposed Emperor Haile Selassie's
increasing centralization, which undermined their local authority.
- **Perceived Betrayal:** They felt the Emperor did not adequately support the patriot movement
during the Italian occupation.
- **Desire for Autonomy:** Calls for greater regional autonomy and local governance fueled
discontent.
- **British Involvement (1940s):** British forces helped restore Haile Selassie to power post-Italian
occupation, influencing military and governance.
- **American Support (1950s):** Provided military and economic assistance as part of Cold War
strategies, reinforcing pro-Western policies.
- **Growing Demand for Democratic Governance:** Rising calls for political reforms and
modernization amid international scrutiny.
- **Student and Civil Society Movements:** Increased activism from students and civil groups
advocating for more rights and representation.
- **Emergence in the 1960s:** Sparked by educational reforms and increased access to higher
education.
- **Political Activism:** Students became vocal about social injustices, advocating for democratic
change and government accountability.
- **Causes:** Discontent with Emperor Haile Selassie's regime stemmed from political repression, social
inequality, and economic hardship. Young military officers, influenced by nationalist sentiments and a
desire for reform, spearheaded the coup.
- **Course:** The coup attempt on December 13, 1960, involved an armed rebellion led by junior
officers. The plot aimed to overthrow the emperor but was thwarted within a day. While some military
leaders were executed or imprisoned, the emperor tightened his grip on power.
- **Consequences:** The failed coup resulted in increased repression, a crackdown on dissent, and a
consolidation of the monarchy’s control, fostering further discontent and contributing to future
uprisings.
**16. Causes and Consequences of the Gojjam, Bale, and Woyane Peasant Uprisings:**
- **Causes:** Economic grievances due to high taxation, land dispossession, and poor agricultural
policies.
- **Consequences:** Increased awareness of peasant rights and limited reforms; a clear indication of
rising discontent against the monarchy.
- **Causes:** Ethnic and regional tensions, exacerbated by land issues and the implementation of
government policies perceived as exploitative.
- **Consequences:** The uprising highlighted regional disparities, leading to a stronger call for regional
autonomy and increased repression from the government.
- **Causes:** Discontent fueled by economic hardships, land grievances, and a desire for self-
determination.
- **Causes:** Economic crisis, inflation, food shortages, and widespread discontent with the imperial
regime led to massive protests. The influence of leftist ideologies and the growing popularity of the Derg
(the military council) played a significant role.
- **Course:** The revolution culminated in the overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie in September 1974.
The Derg assumed power, initially garnering popular support.
**19. Factors for the Downfall of the Derg and the Seizure of Power by EPRDF:**
- Military defeats against insurgent groups, particularly in the north, culminated in the EPRDF's rise to
power in 1991.
- **Similarities:** Both aimed for autonomy and self-determination for their respective regions (Eritrea
for EPLF and Tigray for TPLF). They shared common goals of opposing the Derg and promoting ethnic
nationalism.
- **Differences:** The EPLF focused primarily on Eritrean independence, while the TPLF initially aimed
for greater autonomy within Ethiopia. The EPLF operated mainly in Eritrea, whereas the TPLF was more
involved in Ethiopian national politics.
21.The EPRDF (Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front) led government, after coming to
power in 1991, introduced several essential features and measures aimed at addressing the political and
economic challenges facing Ethiopia. Here are the key aspects:
1. **Ethnic Federalism:**
- The EPRDF implemented a system of ethnic federalism, granting significant autonomy to various
ethnic groups within regional states. This structure aimed to accommodate the diverse ethnic
composition of Ethiopia and reduce ethnic tensions.
2. **Decentralization of Power:**
- The government decentralized political power to regional states, allowing local administrations to
have considerable control over their affairs. This approach was intended to foster local governance and
empower ethnic groups.
3. **Economic Liberalization:**
- The EPRDF shifted from a purely state-controlled economy to a more market-oriented approach. This
included privatization of state-owned enterprises, encouragement of foreign investment, and policies
aimed at economic growth.
4. **Infrastructure Development:**
- The EPRDF introduced various social programs aimed at addressing poverty, improving education and
healthcare, and enhancing living standards, particularly in rural areas.
6. **Political Repression and Control:**
- While promoting ethnic federalism and decentralization, the EPRDF maintained tight political control,
limiting opposition parties' activities and suppressing dissent. The government was characterized by a
one-party rule, with the EPRDF as the dominant force in Ethiopian politics.
- The EPRDF aimed to promote national reconciliation after years of conflict and civil war. This included
initiatives to address historical grievances and foster unity among diverse ethnic groups.
- The government took strong measures to ensure security and stability, often employing the military
to quell uprisings and maintain order, which sometimes led to human rights abuses.
These features and measures shaped the political landscape of Ethiopia during the EPRDF's rule,
reflecting its goals of fostering ethnic democracy while also facing challenges related to governance,
human rights, and political inclusivity.