The 1974 Ethiopian Revolution: A Military Coup That Ousted Emperor Haile Selassie and Reshaped Ethiopia’s Political Landscape

The year 1974 marked a dramatic turning point in Ethiopian history, an event that reverberated throughout the Horn of Africa and beyond. The Derg, a military junta, staged a coup d’état that deposed Emperor Haile Selassie I, ending a dynasty that had ruled Ethiopia for over three millennia. This revolution wasn’t simply a change of leadership; it was a seismic shift in Ethiopian society, politics, and economics, paving the way for radical socialist reforms and ultimately plunging the nation into decades of internal strife and upheaval.

To understand the context surrounding this pivotal event, we must delve into the socio-economic landscape of Ethiopia in the early 1970s. While Haile Selassie projected an image of a modernizing emperor on the world stage – Ethiopia was a founding member of the United Nations and hosted the Organization of African Unity (OAU) headquarters – the reality within the country painted a starkly different picture.

Years of drought and famine, exacerbated by outdated agricultural practices, had ravaged the countryside, leaving millions facing starvation. The gap between the wealthy elite, often linked to the imperial court, and the impoverished masses widened. A burgeoning educated middle class grew increasingly disillusioned with the slow pace of reform and the perceived autocratic rule of Haile Selassie.

Moreover, Cold War tensions played a role in destabilizing the region. Marxist ideologies were gaining traction across Africa, inspiring movements for social change and challenging established regimes. Ethiopia became caught in this ideological crossfire, with external forces fueling internal dissent.

The Derg’s coup d’état was the culmination of these simmering discontent and frustrations. A group of junior army officers, disillusioned with corruption within the military ranks and the government’s failure to address the nation’s pressing needs, orchestrated the overthrow.

The initial stages of the revolution were marked by promises of democratic reforms, social justice, and economic equality. The Derg abolished the feudal landholding system, nationalized industries, and embarked on ambitious literacy and healthcare programs. These measures resonated with many Ethiopians who longed for a fairer and more equitable society.

Reform	Impact
Land Reform	Redistributed land from feudal landlords to peasant farmers, aiming to empower rural communities.
Nationalization of Industries	Brought major industries under state control, intending to ensure equitable distribution of wealth.
Literacy Campaigns	Launched nationwide programs to combat illiteracy and promote education access.

However, the Derg’s socialist experiment soon faced significant challenges. The centralized planning economy proved inefficient, leading to shortages of essential goods and a decline in agricultural productivity. Internal dissent within the Derg itself fueled political instability and violence. The brutal suppression of opposition groups, including the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) and Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), ignited armed conflicts that further destabilized the country.

By the 1980s, Ethiopia was embroiled in a protracted civil war, compounded by famine and drought. The Derg’s increasingly authoritarian rule alienated sections of the population, prompting international condemnation and sanctions.

The 1974 Ethiopian Revolution remains a complex and controversial event in African history.

It represented a bold attempt to break with tradition and forge a new path for Ethiopia, fueled by legitimate aspirations for social justice and economic equality. However, the Derg’s radical socialist policies ultimately proved unsustainable, leading to widespread suffering and decades of conflict. The legacy of the revolution continues to shape Ethiopia today, serving as a reminder of both the potential and pitfalls of revolutionary change.