The early resistance and peasant rebellion against Emperor Haile Selassie in Ethiopia in the mid-20th century were driven by a combination of socio-economic, political, and historical factors. Here’s an overview of the causes, the course, and the consequences of this resistance:
Causes
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Feudalism and Agrarian Discontent: The Ethiopian society was largely feudal, with the vast majority of the population being peasants who worked the land owned by a small elite of landlords and nobility. The system was marked by high taxes, harsh labor obligations, and limited access to basic resources and services, which fueled widespread discontent among the agrarian population.
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Effects of Italian Occupation: The Italian occupation of Ethiopia from 1936 to 1941 disrupted traditional structures and local governance. Although the Italians were expelled, the legacy of occupation left deep scars, including widespread resentment towards foreign influence and exploitation.
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Centralization of Power: Haile Selassie's efforts to centralize power and modernize the state often marginalized local and regional authorities. His policies alienated traditional leaders and the rural communities that depended on them, leading to a loss of local autonomy.
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Economic Exploitation: The economic policies under Haile Selassie, geared towards modernization and industrialization, often prioritized urban interests over rural needs. High taxation and inflation further burdened peasantry, leading to increased unrest.
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Political Repression: Political repression and the suppression of dissent created an environment where grievances could not easily be expressed or addressed through reform. The emperor's failure to grant basic political rights and a response to movements for change galvanized opposition.
Course
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Outburst of Rebellions: The significant uprisings, such as the Wello Revolt (1960) and the Eritrean War of Independence (begun in 1961), showcased the depth of discontent. These movements were characterized by organized resistance from various ethnic groups and peasant unions against the centralized government, often mobilizing around local grievances.
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Formation of Peasant Associations: In the pre-revolutionary period, peasant associations began to form, fostering solidarity and collective action among farmers. These associations often articulated their demands for land reform and greater rights.
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Broadening of Movements: The discontent was not limited to rural regions; urban uprisings also occurred among students, intellectuals, and the working class who were inspired by global anti-colonial sentiments and socialist ideas. The combination of rural and urban discontent formed a more comprehensive resistance against the emperor's regime.
Consequences
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Crisis of legitimacy: The escalating rebellions challenged Haile Selassie's authority, leading to a gradual erosion of his legitimacy as ruler. Increasing violence and resistance undermined the emperor's claims to maintain order and modernization.
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Emergence of Revolutionary Movements: The early resistances laid the groundwork for revolutionary movements that culminated in the Ethiopian Revolution of 1974. This revolution ultimately led to the overthrow of Haile Selassie and the establishment of a Marxist-Leninist military junta known as the Derg.
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Modernization Efforts as Double-edged Sword: While Haile Selassie's modernization efforts aimed to transform Ethiopian society, they also provoked backlash and resistance, ultimately demonstrating the limits of top-down reform in a deeply traditional society.
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Social Transformation: The consequences of rebellion and resistance contributed to significant social changes in Ethiopia, influencing land reforms and the restructuring of societal relations post-revolution. It also initiated socio-political ideas about nationalism, autonomy, and rights among various ethnic groups in Ethiopia.
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Legacy of Conflict: The unresolved issues stemming from resistance against Haile Selassie, including land rights and ethnic grievances, have had lasting implications on Ethiopia's political landscape, contributing to ongoing tensions and conflicts in the following decades.
In conclusion, the early resistance and rebellion against Emperor Haile Selassie were rooted in deep-seated social and economic grievances, flourishing into movements that not only challenged his regime but altered Ethiopia's trajectory towards revolution and change.