Elaborate oppositions against the Imperial rule before the 1974 Revolution broke out. Focus on (Plots and Conspiracies, peasant rebellions, the Ethiopian Student Movement (ESM) and movements of nations and nationalities)

Answer 1

Before the 1974 Revolution in Ethiopia, there were several opposition movements and resistance efforts against the Imperial rule of Emperor Haile Selassie. These oppositions can be categorized into plots and conspiracies, peasant rebellions, the Ethiopian Student Movement (ESM), and movements of nations and nationalities.

1. Plots and Conspiracies:
There were various attempts to overthrow the Imperial regime through covert plots and conspiracies. One notable example is the 1960 plot led by General Mengistu Neway and his brother Germame Neway, who were part of the young military officer elite. They planned to stage a coup against Emperor Haile Selassie with the support of other military officers, intellectuals, and dissatisfied feudal elites. However, their attempt failed, and both brothers were captured and publicly executed.

2. Peasant Rebellions:
Peasant rebellions were common in Ethiopia due to the oppressive feudal system that heavily exploited rural communities. Various uprisings were directed against landlords and local authorities who abused their power. One significant rebellion was the Woyane Rebellion in the Tigray region, which took place between 1943 and 1944. Led by the Woyane movement, the rebellion aimed to eliminate feudal exploitation and establish a democratic system. However, it was brutally suppressed by the Imperial army.

3. Ethiopian Student Movement (ESM):
The Ethiopian Student Movement played a crucial role in mobilizing youth against the Imperial regime during the 1960s and early 1970s. The students demanded political reforms and economic justice, protesting against the autocratic rule of Emperor Haile Selassie. They organized demonstrations, strikes, and meetings to advocate for change and raised awareness about the country's socio-political problems. The student movement gained popularity and became a significant force in the opposition against the Imperial rule.

4. Movements of Nations and Nationalities:
Ethiopia is a diverse country with various ethnic groups, languages, and cultural identities. Many ethnic groups suffered from marginalization and discrimination under the Imperial rule, leading to movements advocating for self-determination and greater autonomy. The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) emerged as one of the major movements in the 1970s to represent the interests of the Oromo people, the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia. Their demands included recognition of their language, culture, and political autonomy.

Additionally, other ethnic movements, such as the Tigrean Liberation Front (TPLF) and Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF), aimed to address the grievances of their respective communities and stood against the centralization of power by the Imperial regime. These movements laid the groundwork for the later armed struggle against the Ethiopian government.

In conclusion, opposition against the Imperial rule in Ethiopia before the 1974 Revolution took different forms, including plots and conspiracies, peasant rebellions, the Ethiopian Student Movement, and movements of nations and nationalities. These various opposition efforts collectively contributed to creating discontent and paving the way for the eventual downfall of the Imperial regime.