Coup overthrows Emperor Haile Selassie in Ethiopia.

In September of 1974, a significant political event unfolded in Africa: the overthrowing of Ethiopia’s Emperor Haile Selassie. The momentous event served as a historical milestone reflecting Ethiopia’s long and rich past, while also shaping its future trajectory. The coup ushered in a period of political uncertainty and was instrumental in the country’s transition from imperial rule to communism.

Haile Selassie, the last in a long line of Ethiopia’s emperors, ruled with a distinct mix of modernity and tradition. Keeping in view the significance of this event, we’ll delve deep into the fascinating story behind Selassie’s downfall, leveraging both local accounts and international perspectives.

Emperor Haile Selassie became a symbol of African independence during his reign. His time as Emperor was marked by considerable modernization and attempts to centralize power around his person. However, a mounting wave of dissatisfaction mired his rule by the mid-1970s, largely stemming from economic stagnation, unequal wealth distribution, and a lack of political freedom. Despite his modernizing efforts, massive segments of the Ethiopian population still lived in poverty, mainly agrarian in nature, disenfranchised from the political processes shaping their lives.

Meanwhile, the Cold War was intensifying, and Africa became a political chessboard for superpowers. An accusation often levied against Selassie was his alignment with the West, particularly the United States. His detractors saw this as a betrayal of Ethiopia’s best interests and a symptom of his regime’s corruption. This idea was given more credence by the widespread famine in the Wollo region in the early 1970s, a crisis that international aid failed to ameliorate effectively and that the Emperor’s government tried to downplay.

A shadowy military group known as the Derg began to gain traction in Ethiopia amidst the discontent. Known for their slogan, “Ethiopia First,” they capitalized on the unrest to mobilize their efforts to overthrow the emperor.

The Derg orchestrated the coup d’état on the 12th of September, 1974, a date forever etched in Ethiopian history. As the coup unfolded, Haile Selassie was said to be remarkably calm, resigned to his fate. The event marked the end of a centuries-old dynasty and the beginning of a new, turbulent era under the Derg’s rule.

This takeover resulted in Ethiopia turning towards communism. The Derg, under Mengistu Haile Mariam’s leadership, established strict governance rules and sought to ally with the Soviet Union, dramatically changing Ethiopia’s standing on the global stage. The years that followed the coup were complex and bloody, marred by civil wars, executions, and the horrific Ethiopian Red Terror.

The coup that overthrew Emperor Haile Selassie was a turning point in Ethiopia’s history. This seismic shift in control is studied by historians, political analysts, and anybody with an interest in Africa’s distinct and diverse past. It serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of political power, especially in countries grappling with social and economic disparities.

Up until his demise, Haile Selassie continued to be an influential figure, both domestically and internationally. He was the face of Ethiopia’s struggle for continuity amidst drastic changes, a figure who attempted to combine modernity while preserving Ethiopia’s unique cultural heritage.

the coup on September 12, 1974, which saw the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie, was a defining moment in Ethiopia’s history. It was a catalyst that propelled Ethiopia into a new era, bringing an end to a centuries-old monarchy and introducing a period marked by political upheavals and changes in the global alignment of the country. Regardless of where one stands regarding the coup’s justification or repercussions, it’s undeniable that this event significantly influenced the trajectory of Ethiopia’s future, shaping its history in profound ways.