Point out the outcomes of the 1974 Ethiopian revolution and factors contributed to its demise in the early 1990s?

Answer 1

The 1974 Ethiopian Revolution, which resulted in the overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie, had significant outcomes and ultimately led to the establishment of a Marxist-Leninist regime under the Derg (a military junta). Here are the key outcomes of the revolution and factors that contributed to its demise in the early 1990s:

Outcomes of the 1974 Ethiopian Revolution

1. Abolition of the Monarchy: The revolution ended the long-standing imperial rule of Haile Selassie, leading to the establishment of a socialist state.

2. Establishment of the Derg: The Derg, a group of military officers, took control and instituted a military dictatorship, leading to the Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

3. Land Reform: The new government implemented land reforms that abolished feudal landholding and redistributed land to peasant farmers. However, this often led to discontent and was not uniformly successful.

4. Nationalization of Industries: Major industries and businesses were nationalized, and the economy was geared toward socialist principles, significantly altering the economic landscape of Ethiopia.

5. Suppression of Dissent: The Derg's rule was characterized by the suppression of dissent, which included imprisonment and execution of political opponents. This led to a climate of fear and repression.

6. Ethiopian Civil Wars: The revolution ignited various armed conflicts, resulting in prolonged civil wars, particularly in the northern regions of Tigray and Eritrea. These conflicts drained resources and destabilized the country.

7. Famine and Humanitarian Crisis: Agriculture suffered from mismanagement and drought, culminating in a severe famine in the mid-1980s that led to widespread suffering and international attention.

Factors Contributing to the Demise of the Derg in the Early 1990s

1. Economic Decline: The government’s economic policies were largely unsuccessful, leading to widespread poverty, food shortages, and a failing economy, which fueled discontent among the population.

2. Civil War and Armed Opposition: Various ethnic and political groups, notably the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF), mounted significant military challenges against the Derg. Their coordinated efforts in the late 1980s gradually eroded the Derg's power.

3. Loss of Soviet Support: The Derg initially received substantial support from the Soviet Union. However, with the decline of Soviet influence and a shift in foreign policy, the Derg was left without critical economic and military support.

4. International Pressure and Human Rights Violations: The regime faced increasing international condemnation for its human rights abuses and repressive tactics, further isolating it from potential allies.

5. Political Fragmentation: Increasing discontent led to a fracturing within the Derg itself, as different factions emerged and struggled for power, undermining its unity and effectiveness.

6. Fall of Communism in Eastern Europe: The collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe in 1989 inspired opposition movements and diminished the ideological appeal of the Derg’s governance.

7. Reforms and Transitional Moments: Attempts at reform in the late 1980s, including the adoption of a new constitution, did not quell the discontent among the populace or the insurgency movements.

The culmination of these factors led to the eventual overthrow of the Derg in 1991, resulting in the establishment of the EPRDF-led government which marked a new chapter in Ethiopia's history.