History Assignment
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tesfish6416033History Assignment
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tesfish6416033History of Ethiopia and the Horn (Hist-
1012) - Group Assignment
1. Ethio-Egyptian Relations and Their Impact (Late 19th – 20th Century)
Ethiopia and Egypt experienced a tense and competitive relationship during the second half
of the 19th century. Egypt, under Khedive Ismail, aimed to expand its territory toward the
source of the Nile and the Red Sea. This led to military confrontations, including the battles
of Gundet (1875) and Gura (1876), where Ethiopian forces under Emperor Yohannes IV
decisively defeated Egyptian troops. The religious difference—Ethiopia being Christian and
Egypt being Muslim—also fueled political rivalry.
In the 20th century, the Ethio-Egyptian relationship transitioned more into diplomatic
struggles over the Nile waters. Egypt consistently sought to dominate the use of the Nile,
while Ethiopia aimed to assert its rights as the source country.
Impact:
- These tensions encouraged Ethiopia to modernize its military and seek international
alliances.
- They heightened Ethiopia’s sense of sovereignty and influenced its foreign policy to resist
colonial pressure.
2. Ethio-Italian Historical Relation and Its Impact on Ethio-Eritrean
Relations
Italy first tried to colonize Ethiopia in the late 19th century. After establishing a colony in
Eritrea, Italy attempted to dominate Ethiopia through the Treaty of Wuchale (1889).
Disagreement over the treaty’s interpretation led to the First Italo-Ethiopian War, ending in
Ethiopia’s victory at the Battle of Adwa in 1896.
In 1935, Italy invaded Ethiopia again, leading to occupation until 1941. During this period,
Italy attempted to unite Eritrea and Ethiopia under its rule. However, it also reinforced
Eritrean identity by treating Eritrea differently from the rest of Ethiopia.
Impact:
- The Italian occupation deepened the divide between Ethiopians and Eritreans.
- After World War II, when Eritrea was federated with Ethiopia and later annexed, many
Eritreans felt alienated, contributing to the long Ethio-Eritrean conflict and Eritrea’s
eventual independence in 1993.
3. Making the Modern Ethiopian State and Integration Policy (Late 19th –
20th Century)
The modern Ethiopian state was largely shaped during the reign of Emperor Menelik II, who
expanded the empire by incorporating southern, western, and eastern territories through
military conquest and treaties. This created a multi-ethnic empire governed from the
center.
Under Emperor Haile Selassie, integration policies focused on centralizing power and
building a unified national identity through modern infrastructure, education, and
administration. However, local identities and cultures were often ignored or suppressed,
leading to tensions.
Impact:
- Ethiopia became more centralized and modernized.
- Resistance among marginalized groups increased, contributing to later political unrest.
4. Role and Influence of the British and Americans in Post-Liberation
Ethiopia
After liberation from Italian occupation in 1941, the British played a major role in
reconstruction via the British Military Administration, assisting in re-establishing Ethiopian
control and advising on administrative reforms.
During the Cold War, the United States became Ethiopia’s key ally, providing economic and
military aid, supporting infrastructure development, and influencing the education system.
Ethiopia hosted the U.S. military communications base at Kagnew Station in Asmara.
Impact:
- Both Britain and the U.S. significantly influenced Ethiopia’s modernization, foreign policy,
and governance.
- Their support reinforced elite rule and often neglected grassroots demands.
5. Socio-Economic and Political Developments (Modernization Attempts)
Pre-Liberation Period:
- Menelik II introduced modern schools, printing presses, telegraph lines, and a national
currency.
- Haile Selassie introduced a modern constitution in 1931 and expanded education and
bureaucracy.
Post-Liberation Period:
- After 1941, Haile Selassie implemented land reforms, improved transportation, and
revised the constitution in 1955.
- Expanded schools and hospitals, but modernization benefited elites more than the rural
poor.
Impact:
- Modernization laid the foundation for a modern state.
- Failure to resolve inequality and rural poverty led to political discontent.
6. Early Resistance and Peasant Rebellions under Emperor Haile Selassie
Causes:
- Unfair land ownership and high taxation.
- Lack of political representation and exclusion from modernization benefits.
Course:
- Notable uprisings include the Bale Rebellion in the 1960s and rebellions in Gojjam and
Tigray against taxation and central control.
Consequences:
- Exposed weaknesses of the imperial system.
- Undermined Haile Selassie’s rule and paved the way for the 1974 revolution.
7. Outcomes of the 1974 Ethiopian Revolution and Its Demise (Early
1990s)
Outcomes of the 1974 Revolution:
- Overthrow of the monarchy and rise of the Derg military junta led by Mengistu Haile
Mariam.
- Nationalization of land and adoption of socialist policies.
- Alignment with the Soviet Union and central planning.
Factors for Demise:
- Human rights abuses and the Red Terror.
- Economic collapse and recurring famines.
- Resistance from regional liberation movements (TPLF, EPLF).
- Loss of Soviet support after the Cold War.
In 1991, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) overthrew the
Derg, leading to a new federal system.
