Imperial Era in Ethiopia (1941–1974): A Comprehensive Summary
1. External Relations
Following liberation from Italian occupation in 1941, Ethiopia was recognized as a
sovereign state by Britain, but the British retained strong influence. The 1942 agreement
granted Britain authority over Ethiopia’s foreign affairs, administration, finance, military,
and police. British personnel held key administrative posts and had exclusive aviation
rights.
The 1944 agreement marked progress as Ethiopia regained the right to hire non-British
personnel and reclaimed part of the Addis Ababa–Djibouti railway. Britain agreed to
withdraw its army once Ethiopian forces were equipped. The British Military Mission to
Ethiopia helped with this until 1951.
Ethiopia strengthened ties with the USA, which contributed through development aid and
the establishment of Ethiopian Airlines in 1946. Ethiopia was active in international
diplomacy, joining the UN and contributing to the Korean War. The country hosted the
UN Economic Commission for Africa and the OAU.
2. Socio-Economic Developments
Agriculture remained dominant with over 90% of the population engaged in farming.
Tenancy systems were exploitative, particularly in southern Ethiopia. Landlords collected
up to 60–75% of produce. Mechanization and commercial agriculture displaced tenants.
Development plans (1957–1972) targeted infrastructure, manufacturing, and agriculture.
The Chilalo and Wolayta agricultural projects improved techniques but failed due to lack
of land reform. Evictions increased as landlords benefited most.
Urbanization accelerated. Addis Ababa emerged as a political and economic hub. Modern
services, roads, banking, and education expanded, yet benefits were uneven. Ethiopia
remained one of the least developed countries globally.
3. Consolidation of Autocracy
Haile Selassie centralized power through bureaucracy, education, a national army, and a
strong fiscal system. Schools like Haile Selassie I Secondary and General Wingate
produced elite cadres. Haile Selassie I University was established in 1961.
The emperor maintained symbolic control: monuments, holidays, and government
buildings were named after him. National holidays like his birthday and coronation day
were celebrated lavishly.
Military and security sectors received the largest budget allocations. Despite
strengthening the army, it eventually turned against the emperor in 1974. Key officials
like Tsehafe-Tizaz Wolde-Giorgis held multiple positions, reinforcing autocratic rule.
The 1955 Constitution did not decentralize real power.
4. First Half of Oppositions/Downfall
The student movement grew radical from the 1960s, protesting feudal land ownership
and demanding justice. Organizations like NUEUS and USUAA led demonstrations with
slogans like 'Land to the Tiller.'
The Mecha-Tulama Association mobilized the Oromo for rights and development but
was banned in 1967 after alleged plots against the regime. Leaders were imprisoned or
killed.
The Wollo famine (1973), inflation, and urban discontent exposed the regime's failure.
The government denied the famine’s scale, leading to mass protests and strikes in 1974.
In early 1974, soldiers mutinied over poor conditions. This sparked a revolution. By
September, Haile Selassie was deposed, marking the end of the Imperial Era.
