UNIT SIX

Ethiopia: Internal Developments and External Influences

1. The Post-Liberation Period and the British Era

After the defeat of Fascist Italy in 1941, Ethiopia entered what is known as the post-liberation period
under the leadership of Emperor Haile Selassie. Although Ethiopia regained its sovereignty, the
British played a significant role in controlling the country during the early years. They influenced
both internal and external affairs of Ethiopia and controlled important sectors such as the army,
police, finance, and communication systems. The British also established the Occupied Enemy
Territory Administration (OETA) over Ogaden and Eritrea. The Anglo-Ethiopian Agreement of 1942
limited Ethiopia’s sovereignty by giving Britain the right to train the Ethiopian army, assign advisors
to ministries, control communication systems, and even introduce the British East African shilling as
currency. The second agreement in 1944 slightly improved Ethiopia’s position by promising the
return of Ogaden and allowing the use of the Djibouti–Addis Ababa railway, while also establishing
the British Military Mission to Ethiopia (BMME) to modernize the army.

2. The Eritrean Question

The issue of Eritrea became a major political concern during this period. After World War II,
different political groups emerged in Eritrea with different goals. The Unionist Party supported union
with Ethiopia, while the Independence Bloc opposed it. The Muslim League represented the
interests of Muslims in the lowlands, and other groups like the Liberal Progressive Party and
Pro-Italian Party had their own political agendas. Finally, the United Nations passed Resolution
390(V) in 1950, which decided that Eritrea would be federated with Ethiopia.

3. The American Era

Following the British era, Ethiopia entered the American era, during which its relationship with the
United States became very strong. Although the first American mission arrived earlier in 1903,
relations expanded significantly after World War II. In 1952, the Point Four Program was
introduced, through which the United States assisted Ethiopia in agriculture, education, health, and
public administration. In 1953, a treaty between Ethiopia and the United States allowed the
Americans to use Kagnew Station in Asmara as a communication base. In return, the United States
provided military assistance through the Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG). American
influence became strong in the fields of military training, education, and communication. However,
by the 1960s and 1970s, this relationship weakened due to the development of satellite technology,
which reduced the importance of Kagnew Station, and increasing opposition from Ethiopian
students against American influence.

4. Administrative Reforms

During this period, Emperor Haile Selassie introduced several administrative reforms aimed at
centralizing power and strengthening the state. In 1942, Ethiopia was reorganized into provinces
known as Teqlaygezats, which were further divided into smaller administrative units. Each province
was governed by an Enderase, who ruled on behalf of the emperor. The revised constitution of
1955 further strengthened the emperor’s authority and was designed to support centralization and
modern administration. However, it failed to introduce true democratic principles such as rule of
law, popular sovereignty, and good governance.

5. Agriculture, Land Tenure, and Tenancy

Agriculture remained the backbone of Ethiopia’s economy, employing the majority of the population.
Coffee and oilseeds were the main export products, while livestock was also very important. The
land tenure system played a major role in shaping society and the economy. The Gult system
allowed individuals such as nobles and the church to collect taxes from peasants, while the Rist
system was based on communal ownership of land through family lineage. Over time, tenancy
increased, especially in southern Ethiopia, where many peasants became landless and were forced
to rent land under harsh conditions. This system, known as Chisegna, led to widespread poverty
and exploitation.

6. Economic and Social Development

In terms of economic development, Ethiopia remained largely dependent on agricultural exports

7. Opposition to Imperial Rule

Opposition to the imperial government grew steadily due to economic inequality, lack of political
reform, and social injustice. Peasant revolts broke out in different regions, and in 1960 there was a
failed coup attempt by members of the military. These movements showed increasing
dissatisfaction with the imperial system.

8. The Ethiopian Student Movement

The Ethiopian Student Movement emerged as one of the most powerful opposition forces during
the 1960s and early 1970s. It was mainly led by university students who strongly criticized the
government for its failure to address land inequality, poverty, and lack of political reform. The
movement popularized the slogan “Land to the Tiller,” demanding land redistribution to peasants. It
also opposed foreign influence, especially from the United States. The student movement played a
crucial role in raising political awareness and contributed significantly to the conditions that led to
the 1974 Revolution.

9. The Ethiopian Revolution of 1974

These growing tensions eventually led to the Ethiopian Revolution of 1974. The revolution was
caused by a combination of factors, including economic crisis, famine, corruption, and widespread
dissatisfaction among the population and the military. Emperor Haile Selassie was overthrown, and
the Derg, a military government, took power. The Derg introduced major reforms such as land
nationalization, which abolished the landlord system, and brought the economy under state control.

10. Problems Under the Derg

Despite these reforms, the Derg faced serious challenges, including political repression, particularly
during the Red Terror, economic decline, and continuous civil war. These problems weakened the
government and created instability throughout the country.

11. Major Conflicts

During the Derg period, Ethiopia was involved in major conflicts. The Ethio-Somalia War of 1977
was fought over the Ogaden region, and Ethiopia was able to defeat Somalia with the support of the
Soviet Union. At the same time, the Eritrean struggle for independence continued, further
weakening the government.

12. The Fall of the Derg (1991)

By 1991, the Derg regime collapsed due to prolonged war, economic problems, and strong
opposition from rebel groups. The overthrow of the Derg marked the end of military rule in Ethiopia
and the beginning of a new political era in the country.