Table of content

1. List and discuss Emperor Tewodros’ administrative policies, military reforms, and their
outcomes........................................................................................................................................ 1

2. Explain the internal and external circumstances that led Menilek II’s territorial expansion to
south.............................................................................................................................................. 2

 Internal Circumstances:.......................................................................................................... 2

 External Circumstances:.........................................................................................................3

3. Briefly describe Lij Iyasu’s efforts to reform the country’s justice system, the operation of leba
shay system and the police force....................................................................................................3

4. Administrative and economic measures that Emperor Haile-Selassie took immediately after
his reinstatement to the throne and how did those measures help to consolidate his power...........4

5. Identify and discuss major socio-economic reforms of the Derg...............................................6

6. Explain the main factors for the downfall of the Derg and the seizure of power by EPRDF
forces............................................................................................................................................. 7

References..................................................................................................................................... 8
1. List and discuss Emperor Tewodros’ administrative policies, military reforms, and their
outcomes.
Emperor Tewodros II, also known as Emperor Theodore II, ruled Ethiopia from 1855 to 1868.
During his reign, he implemented several administrative policies and military reforms to
modernize and strengthen his empire. Here are some of his major initiatives and their outcomes:
Centralization of Power: Tewodros aimed to consolidate power and establish a centralized
government. He dissolved regional power centers and diminished the influence of local nobility,
known as the Shum. By doing so, he sought to strengthen the authority of the central government
and increase his control over the empire.
Outcome: Tewodros' centralization policies helped to enhance the power of the imperial
government. However, they also alienated regional elites and sparked resistance, contributing to
political instability and opposition to his rule.
Administrative Reforms: Tewodros implemented various administrative reforms to streamline
governance and improve efficiency. He established a system of taxation, introduced a
standardized legal code, and reorganized the bureaucracy.
Outcome: These reforms aimed to create a more organized and efficient administration.
However, their effectiveness was limited due to the resistance faced from entrenched local power
structures and the lack of widespread implementation.
Promotion of Education: Tewodros recognized the importance of education in modernizing
Ethiopia. He established schools and encouraged the education of the nobility, with the intention
of producing a new generation of educated administrators and officials.
Outcome: Tewodros' efforts to promote education were significant, but their impact was limited
due to logistical challenges and the limited reach of his reforms. However, his initiatives laid
some groundwork for future educational reforms in Ethiopia.
Military Reforms: Tewodros sought to modernize and strengthen the Ethiopian military. He
imported firearms, established factories to produce ammunition and weapons, and organized a
standing army equipped with modern weaponry.
Outcome: Tewodros' military reforms helped to enhance the military capabilities of Ethiopia. His
army was better equipped and more disciplined than previous forces, giving Ethiopia a more
formidable defense against external threats. However, the full implementation of his reforms was
hampered by resource constraints and resistance from traditionalist elements within Ethiopian
society.
Infrastructure Development: Tewodros recognized the importance of infrastructure for the
development and defense of his empire. He initiated the construction of roads, bridges, and
fortifications, aiming to improve communication and facilitate trade and transportation.
Outcome: Tewodros' infrastructure projects were ambitious but faced significant challenges.
Limited resources, logistical difficulties, and resistance from local populations hindered the
progress of these initiatives. However, some of his projects laid the foundation for future
infrastructure development in Ethiopia.
Overall, Emperor Tewodros II's administrative policies and military reforms were aimed at
centralizing power, modernizing the military, and promoting development in Ethiopia. While
some of his initiatives had positive outcomes, they also faced significant challenges and
limitations. Tewodros' reign marked an important period of reform and modernization in
Ethiopian history, setting the stage for subsequent rulers to continue the process of
transformation.
2. Explain the internal and external circumstances that led Menilek II’s territorial
expansion to south.
Menelik II, the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1889 to 1913, is well known for his territorial
expansion in the south of Ethiopia. His expansionist policies were influenced by both internal
and external circumstances. Let's explore these factors in more detail:
 Internal Circumstances:
Centralized Authority: Menelik II ascended to the throne at a time when the Ethiopian Empire
was in a state of disarray. He sought to consolidate power and establish a strong central
authority. Expanding the empire's territory was seen as a means to achieve this goal.
Political Stability: Menelik II's reign marked a period of relative stability within Ethiopia. He
was able to suppress internal rebellions and establish control over various regions. This stability
provided a favorable environment for territorial expansion.
Military Strength: Menelik II recognized the importance of a strong military in expanding and
defending his empire. He modernized the Ethiopian army, acquiring modern weapons and
adopting European military tactics. This military strength played a crucial role in his successful
campaigns.
Economic Factors: The expansion into the south offered economic benefits for Ethiopia. The
region was rich in natural resources, including fertile land suitable for agriculture and potential
mineral deposits. Controlling these resources would enhance the empire's economic prosperity.
 External Circumstances:
European Colonialism: During Menelik II's reign, European colonial powers, particularly Italy,
were actively pursuing territorial acquisitions in Africa. Menelik II sought to resist European
colonization and maintain Ethiopian independence. Expanding southwards acted as a buffer
against potential European encroachment.
The Scramble for Africa: The late 19th century witnessed the "Scramble for Africa," where
European powers were engaged in a race to secure colonies on the continent. Menelik II's
territorial expansion was partly driven by the desire to assert Ethiopia's presence and territorial
integrity in the face of this colonial competition.
Strategic Considerations: Expanding southwards allowed Ethiopia to secure important trade
routes and access to the coast. Controlling territories along the Awash River and areas near the
Red Sea provided strategic advantages for trade and communication with the outside world.
Cultural and Ethnic Dynamics: The southern territories were inhabited by various ethnic
groups, some of which had historical ties with Ethiopia. Menelik II sought to bring these regions
under Ethiopian rule to establish a sense of unity and strengthen the empire's cultural and ethnic
cohesion.
In summary, Menelik II's territorial expansion to the south was driven by internal factors such as
the need for centralized authority, political stability, military strength, and economic
considerations. External factors, including European colonialism, the Scramble for Africa,
strategic considerations, and cultural dynamics, also played a significant role in shaping his
expansionist policies.
3. Briefly describe Lij Iyasu’s efforts to reform the country’s justice system, the operation
of leba shay system and the police force.
Lij Iyasu, who reigned as Emperor of Ethiopia from 1913 to 1916, implemented several notable
reforms during his short time in power. His efforts focused on reforming the country's justice
system, addressing the operation of the leba shay system, and improving the police force. Here's
a brief description of each:
Justice System Reform: Lij Iyasu recognized the need for a more efficient and fair justice
system in Ethiopia. He aimed to modernize the legal framework and establish a more reliable
system of law and order. Specific details about the nature and extent of his reforms are not
widely documented, but his intentions were to improve the administration of justice within the
country.
Leba Shay System: The leba shay system was a form of forced labor or tribute extraction that
had been prevalent in Ethiopia for centuries. Lij Iyasu sought to address the abuses associated
with this system. He aimed to regulate and reduce the burden placed on the population by
implementing reforms to limit the arbitrary demands placed on individuals and communities.
Police Force Improvement: Lij Iyasu recognized the importance of a well-functioning police
force for maintaining law and order. He took steps to improve the training, organization, and
effectiveness of the police force. These efforts aimed to enhance their ability to enforce the law,
protect the population, and maintain public order throughout the empire.
It is important to note that Lij Iyasu's reign was relatively short-lived, and his reforms did not
have sufficient time to fully take effect. Additionally, after political controversies and challenges
to his rule, he was deposed in 1916, and many of his reform initiatives were not fully realized or
sustained by subsequent rulers.
4. Administrative and economic measures that Emperor Haile-Selassie took immediately
after his reinstatement to the throne and how did those measures help to consolidate his
power.
After Emperor Haile Selassie was reinstated to the throne in Ethiopia, following the Italian
occupation from 1936 to 1941, he implemented several administrative and economic measures to
consolidate his power. These measures aimed to modernize the country, strengthen the central
government, and promote economic development. Here are some of the key measures taken by
Emperor Haile Selassie and their impact on consolidating his power:
Land Reform: One of the significant reforms introduced by Haile Selassie was the land reform
policy. He sought to address the issue of land ownership and distribution, which was a major
concern in Ethiopian society. The reform aimed to redistribute land to peasants and reduce the
power of the aristocracy and local chiefs. By implementing this policy, Haile Selassie gained
support from the rural population, which constituted the majority of the country.
Centralization of Power: Haile Selassie worked towards centralizing power within the
government. He established a centralized administrative structure, with ministries and
government agencies reporting directly to the central government. This helped him strengthen
his control over the bureaucracy and streamline decision-making processes. By consolidating
power, Haile Selassie reduced the influence of regional and local authorities, ensuring a more
unified and centralized rule.
Modernization and Infrastructure Development: Haile Selassie initiated various
modernization projects and infrastructure development initiatives across the country. These
projects included the construction of roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and other public facilities.
By investing in infrastructure, Haile Selassie aimed to improve the standard of living for
Ethiopians and provide essential services. This helped to garner support from the population and
create a positive image of progress and development associated with his reign.
Economic Reforms: Haile Selassie implemented economic policies to promote industrialization
and economic growth. He introduced measures to attract foreign investment, encourage private
enterprise, and diversify the economy beyond agriculture. These economic reforms aimed to
stimulate economic development, reduce poverty, and create employment opportunities. By
pursuing these policies, Haile Selassie aimed to portray himself as a leader who was actively
working towards improving the living conditions of his people.
Education and Modernization of Institutions: Haile Selassie emphasized the importance of
education and modernization of institutions. He expanded educational opportunities, established
universities and technical schools, and encouraged literacy programs. These efforts aimed to
create a more educated and skilled workforce, as well as foster a sense of national identity and
loyalty towards the government. By investing in education and institutional modernization, Haile
Selassie aimed to consolidate his power by promoting loyalty and support among the younger
generation.
Overall, Emperor Haile Selassie's administrative and economic measures helped to consolidate
his power in several ways. Land reform reduced the influence of the traditional elite and gained
support from the rural population. Centralization of power allowed for more effective
governance and reduced the power of regional authorities. Infrastructure development and
economic reforms improved living conditions and created a positive perception of progress and
development associated with the emperor's rule. Education and modernization efforts fostered
loyalty and support among the population, particularly among the younger generation.
Collectively, these measures helped Haile Selassie consolidate his power and establish a more
centralized and modern state in Ethiopia.
5. Identify and discuss major socio-economic reforms of the Derg.
The Derg was a Marxist-Leninist military junta that ruled Ethiopia from 1974 to 1987. During its
time in power, the Derg implemented several major socio-economic reforms with the aim of
transforming Ethiopia into a socialist state. These reforms had a significant impact on the
country's socio-economic landscape. Here are some of the key reforms implemented by the Derg:
Land Reform: One of the most significant reforms introduced by the Derg was the land reform
program. The Derg nationalized all rural land, abolishing the feudal system and redistributing
land to peasants and agricultural workers. The objective was to end the concentration of land
ownership in the hands of a few elites and provide land to landless peasants. This policy aimed to
increase agricultural productivity and improve the living conditions of rural Ethiopians.
However, the implementation of the land reform was often marred by inefficiencies and resulted
in some negative consequences, such as forced relocations and displacement of people.
Nationalization of Industries: The Derg pursued a policy of nationalizing major industries and
utilities, including banking, insurance, transport, and manufacturing. Private businesses were
either taken over or heavily regulated by the state. The goal was to centralize economic control
and reduce the influence of private capital. However, the nationalization process led to
inefficiencies, mismanagement, and a decline in productivity. Many industries struggled to adapt
to state control, resulting in a stagnant economy.
Rural Development Programs: The Derg implemented various rural development programs
aimed at improving living conditions in rural areas. These programs included the construction of
schools, health centers, and rural infrastructure such as roads and irrigation systems. The
government also promoted cooperative farming and collective farming practices to increase
agricultural productivity and support rural communities. However, the success of these programs
was limited due to resource constraints and inadequate implementation.
Education and Health Initiatives: The Derg prioritized education and healthcare, aiming to
provide universal access to these services. The government invested in expanding educational
facilities, particularly in rural areas, and implemented policies to encourage enrollment and
literacy. Similarly, efforts were made to improve healthcare infrastructure, increase access to
medical services, and train healthcare professionals. While these initiatives expanded access to
education and healthcare, the quality of services often remained low due to inadequate resources
and infrastructure.
Red Terror Campaign: While not a socio-economic reform in the traditional sense, it is
important to mention the Red Terror campaign initiated by the Derg. The campaign,
characterized by widespread human rights abuses and political repression, resulted in the
imprisonment, torture, and killing of thousands of people. The Red Terror campaign had a
significant social and economic impact, as it created an atmosphere of fear and instability,
leading to a decline in productivity and investment.
Overall, the socio-economic reforms implemented by the Derg aimed to create a socialist society
by redistributing wealth, nationalizing industries, and promoting rural development. However,
these policies often resulted in unintended consequences, including economic decline,
inefficiencies, and human rights abuses. The Derg's rule was marked by a combination of
ambitious social reforms and authoritarian governance, ultimately leading to its downfall in
1987.
6. Explain the main factors for the downfall of the Derg and the seizure of power by
EPRDF forces.
The downfall of the Derg and the seizure of power by the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary
Democratic Front (EPRDF) in Ethiopia can be attributed to several key factors. The Derg was a
Marxist-Leninist military junta that ruled Ethiopia from 1974 to 1991, and the EPRDF was a
coalition of several ethnic-based rebel groups that opposed the Derg regime. Here are the main
factors that contributed to the downfall of the Derg and the rise of the EPRDF:
Popular Opposition: The Derg's rule was marked by widespread human rights abuses, political
repression, and a failed economic policy that led to severe famines and economic decline. These
factors generated significant public discontent and opposition to the regime. Various opposition
groups, including the EPRDF, gained support from the Ethiopian people who sought political
change and an end to the Derg's repressive rule.
Ethnic Discontent: Ethiopia is a diverse country with numerous ethnic groups, and the Derg's
rule was characterized by a centralized and assimilationist approach that suppressed ethnic
identities and cultures. This policy alienated many ethnic groups, leading to grievances and
resistance. The EPRDF, on the other hand, advocated for a more inclusive and decentralized
political system that recognized and respected Ethiopia's ethnic diversity. This message
resonated with many Ethiopians and contributed to the EPRDF's popularity.
Armed Struggle: The EPRDF, along with other rebel groups, engaged in a protracted armed
struggle against the Derg regime. The EPRDF successfully carried out guerrilla warfare tactics,
gaining control of significant portions of the country. Their military successes, combined with
popular support, weakened the Derg's hold on power and demonstrated the regime's
vulnerability.
International Factors: The Derg's regime faced challenges on the international front as well.
The Soviet Union, which had initially supported the Derg, withdrew its backing in the mid-1980s
due to the regime's failure to implement desired reforms. This withdrawal of support weakened
the Derg's military capabilities and undermined its legitimacy. Additionally, the EPRDF received
support from neighboring countries such as Sudan and Eritrea, which provided safe havens and
logistical assistance.
Internal Struggles and Factionalism: The Derg regime was plagued by internal power
struggles and factionalism. The death of Mengistu Haile Mariam, the leader of the Derg, in 1991
created a power vacuum and further weakened the regime's cohesion. This internal disarray made
it easier for the EPRDF and other opposition groups to capitalize on the regime's vulnerabilities
and seize power.
In summary, the downfall of the Derg and the seizure of power by the EPRDF were the result of
popular opposition to the regime's repressive policies, ethnic discontent, successful armed
struggle by rebel groups, international factors, and internal struggles within the Derg itself. These
factors converged to create a conducive environment for the EPRDF to successfully overthrow
the Derg and establish its rule in Ethiopia.
References
1. Addis Hewet. Ethiopia: From Autocracy to Revolution. London: Review of the African
Political Economy, Occasional Publication No. 1 1975.
2. Alemneh Dejene. Peasants, Agrarian Socialism and Rural Development in Ethiopia.
London: West view Special Studies on Africa, 1987.
3. Andargachew Tiruneh. The Ethiopian Revolution 1974-1987: A Transformation from an
Aristocratic to a Totalitarian Autocracy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993.
4. Assefa Bequele and Eshetu Chole. A Profile of the Ethiopian Economy. London: Oxford
University Press, 1969.
5. Bahru Zewde. A History of Modern Ethiopia, 1855-1991. Addis Ababa: Addis Ababa
University Press, 2002.