Abstract

The period between 1800 and 1941 was crucial for the internal developments and external
relations of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. During this era, Ethiopia underwent various social,
economic, and political changes that affected its relationship with its neighbors and the broader
international community.
This paper examines these changes and their effects on Ethiopia's internal and external affairs.
Specifically, it analyzes the internal dynamics, including the consolidation of political power by
successive emperors, territorial expansion, the role of religion, and the impact of European
colonialism. It also highlights Ethiopia's external relations, including its interactions with
neighboring countries such as Sudan, Somalia, and Djibouti, and religious connections with
Islamic nations. Additionally, the report examines Ethiopia's diplomatic contacts with European
powers and the scramble for African territories in the late 19th century.
Overall, this paper is intended to provide a comprehensive understanding of the internal
developments and external relations of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa during a critical period in
its history.

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 Introduction

Ethiopia during the period of 1800-1941, was a unique state in the Horn of Africa in that it
maintained its independence during the imperialistic scramble for Africa by European powers.
However, during this time period, Ethiopia experienced both internal developments and external
relations which shaped its political, economic, and social landscape. Internal developments
included efforts to modernize the country and centralize power under Emperor Menelik II in the
late 19th century, as well as struggles for independence and unity under Emperor Haile Selassie
in the early 20th century. External relations were characterized by negotiations, alliances, and
wars with neighboring countries such as Italy, Egypt, and Sudan, as well as diplomatic efforts
with foreign nations such as the United States and Great Britain. This era saw Ethiopia
experience significant changes and challenges, leading up to the Italian invasion of 1935-41 and
eventual liberation by Allied forces in World War II.

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Peoples and States in South-Central, Southwestern, and Western Ethiopia:
1) South-Central: During this time, Hadiya, Halaba, Kambata, and Gurage were
autonomous and semiautonomous political units. Agriculture was their main source of
income. Local merchants were active participants in local and, to a lesser extent, long-
distance trade. The Gurage territory was an important market center and political entity
among these.The Gurage had their own political organization, and their commanders
were known as Abegaz or Azmatch, which combined political and military power.

2) The Gibe States: At the turn of the nineteenth century, many monarchical states
(motumma) arose among the Mecha Oromo, displacing the Gadaa system. Many causes
contributed to the Gadaa system's change. In the process, the Gadaa system's war chiefs
(Abba-Dula) and influential individuals hijacked the Gadaa government's power.
This occurred most notably among the Oromo around Gibe, where the following five
monarchical states arose: -

 Limmu-Enarya – which was the earliest of the Gibe states and founded
through the incorporation of Enarya.

 Gumma - State formation was started by Jilcha Abba, who was

succeeded by his son Oncho (1810–1830), who was then replaced by
Jawwe (1840–1844).

 Gomma - Abba Bokee (1800-1829) founded the company, which was

succeeded by his son Abba Manoo (1829-1840).

 Jimma - Makahore developed as a powerful female figure among

Jimma's Sadacha Mecha Oromo in the late eighteenth century.
Sanna/Abba Jifar I (r.1830-55), who established the Jimma Kingdom,
was responsible for completing the process of state building. He
bequeathed a consolidated state to his heirs, Abba Rebu (1855–59), Abba
Boqa (1859–1861), and Abba Gomol (r.1861–75).

 Gera – A successful war leader who crowned himself king, Tullu Gunji
(r. 1835–38), oversaw the completion of the process of state building in
Gera. And it was the last of the Gibe kingdoms to be formed.

3) The Leqa States: - Among the Mecha Oromo of Wallagga, three monarchical kingdoms
developed. A number of Abba Dulas proclaimed themselves moti (king) by dominating
lucrative trade routes and sizable domains in the area west of the Gibe region while Moti

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 Abishe built a powerful kingdom of Horro. The two leqa states Leqa-Naqamte which
was founded in 1840 by Bakare Godana and reached its peak under his successors
Moroda and Kumsa. The sirna abba-qoro (qoro system), which was instituted by the
Leqa-Naqamte rulers, replaced the Gadaa system as the new administrative and judicial
hierarchy. And Leqa-Qellam situated in the southwestern part of Wallagga. Tullu built it,
and it grew in strength under his son, Jote, who was centered at Gidami and controlled
the territories surrounding Sayyo-Dambi Dollo.

4) Ilu: In the early nineteenth century, Chali Shonoset established the well-established state
of Ilu-Abba Bor. It was one of the region's most prosperous states.
Oromo monarchical state officials:
 Abba Gurmu - next person to the king
 Abba Mizan - treasurer and foreign affair minister
 Abba Dango - immigration chief
 Lammi - ambassador/royal messenger
 Abba Qoro - district governor
 Abba Ganda -village chief
 Abba Busi - tax head
 Abba Jiga - murder judge
 Abba-Qawe - body-guard

5) Nilotic Sheikdoms: also known as the Shilluk Kingdoms and the leadership of the
Shilluk Kingdom was based on the institution of the "sheik", who was both a religious
and political leader. These sheiks were responsible for maintaining order within their
respective territories and were often advised by a council of elders. And the main
economic bases of the sheikdoms were agriculture, gold mining and frontier trade.

Trade and Trade Routes:

During the timeline of 1800-1991 in Ethiopia, trade and trade routes played a crucial role in the
country's economy. Ethiopia had four main trade routes, which were:
1. The Red Sea Route: This route extended from the port of Massawa in modern-day Eritrea to
the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa.
2. The Gulf of Aden Route: This route extended from the port city of Zeila in modern-day
Somaliland to the Ethiopian town of Harar.
3. The Sudan Route: This route extended from Ethiopia's western border with Sudan to the city
of Khartoum.

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4. The Djibouti Route: This route extended from the port city of Djibouti to the Ethiopian capital
of Addis Ababa.
During this period, Ethiopia's trade and trade routes were influenced by various factors,
including political and economic changes and interactions with neighboring countries. Some of
them are: -
1. Before 1930, Ethiopia had limited commercial ties with outside countries, mainly due to its
isolationist policies and rugged terrain. However, there were some trade routes, particularly in
the north, that connected Ethiopia to the Red Sea coast and the Arabian Peninsula.
2. In the late 19th century, European powers began to show interest in Ethiopia's trade potential,
especially the coffee sector. As a result, they established colonial trading outposts in neighboring
regions, such as Somalia and Eritrea, to facilitate trade with Ethiopia.
3. With the advent of Italian colonialism in the late 1930s and British occupation during World
War II, Ethiopia's trade routes were disrupted. This led to the decline of the country's coffee
exports and severe economic hardship.
4. Following Ethiopia's liberation from foreign rule in 1941, the government took measures to
revive and expand the country's commercial activities. This included the construction of new
roads, airfields, and ports, as well as the establishment of state-owned enterprises and trade
agreements with other countries.
5. During the Cold War era of the 1960s and 1970s, Ethiopia's trade relations were largely
influenced by its alignment with Soviet-led socialist bloc countries. This led to the expansion of
the country's industrial base, but also increased its dependency on foreign aid and debt.
6. In the 1980s, Ethiopia's economy was hit hard by drought and famine, resulting in a decline in
exports and trade. The government implemented structural adjustment programs, which involved
liberalizing the economy, reducing state control over commerce, and promoting private sector
involvement.
7. With the fall of the communist government in Ethiopia in 1991, the country began moving
towards market-oriented policies and international trade liberalization. Today, Ethiopia's
economy is one of the fastest-growing in Africa, with trade and investment playing a significant
role in its development.
Overall, trade was a vital aspect of Ethiopia's economy during this time period and played a
crucial role in the country's development.

Modernization Attempts
Ethiopia during the period of 1800-1941 saw several modernizations attempts under various
rulers. Here are some of the major modernization attempts during this period:

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1. The reign of Emperor Tewodros II (1855-1868): During his rule, Tewodros made attempts to
modernize Ethiopian society through the introduction of firearms and the establishment of a
standing army. He also built the first modern Ethiopian capital city of Gondar.
2. The reign of Emperor Menelik II (1889-1913): Menelik II undertook significant
modernizations in Ethiopia during his rule. He built infrastructure such as roads, bridges and
railways. He modernized the military with the introduction of modern weapons and tactics, and
he established modern education systems.
3. The reign of Emperor Haile Selassie I (1930-1974): Haile Selassie I continued the
modernization efforts of his predecessors, focusing on expanding the education system, building
hospitals and modernizing the economy. He was also instrumental in establishing Ethiopia's
membership in the League of Nations and was an advocate for African unity.
Overall, these modernization attempts were aimed at improving the lives of Ethiopians and
making Ethiopia a more competitive and prosperous nation.

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