This year marks 50 years since the Ethiopian Revolution of 1974, a seismic event that not only toppled the centuries-old rule of Emperor Haile Selassie but also dismantled feudalism and capitalism in the country. This transformative revolution continues to hold lessons for modern Africa and the world.
The uprising began in February 1974, fueled by widespread discontent with Ethiopia's semi-feudal monarchy and deep socioeconomic inequalities. The revolution ended an 800-year-old Solomonic dynasty, with Emperor Haile Selassie—once a symbol of Ethiopian sovereignty—being overthrown. In its wake, Ethiopia saw the establishment of a planned, nationalized economy, similar to other African nations like Mozambique and Angola during the postwar period.
A Unique Historical Trajectory
Unlike many African nations, Ethiopia avoided prolonged European colonization, with the exception of a brief Italian occupation. However, it was still heavily shaped by imperialist pressures. Haile Selassie, who ascended the throne in 1916, attempted to modernize Ethiopia’s feudal system, inspired by Japan’s rapid industrialization during the Meiji era. Despite these efforts, Ethiopia remained deeply underdeveloped by the 1970s.
The revolution sought to rectify this underdevelopment by eliminating landlordism and introducing state-led economic reforms. However, the regime that followed adopted a Stalinist approach, which led to internal contradictions and stagnation. By the 1990s, capitalism had been reinstated in Ethiopia and other African nations that had followed a similar path.
Lessons for Today
The Ethiopian Revolution’s 50th anniversary comes at a time when Africa faces mounting economic and social challenges. The capitalist system continues to exacerbate inequalities across the continent, with regions like the Horn of Africa grappling with instability and poverty.
The revolution’s achievements, along with its shortcomings, provide critical insights for those seeking transformative change. As the world reflects on Ethiopia’s revolutionary past, it’s clear that the struggle for a fairer, more equitable system remains relevant.
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