History of Haile Selassie

Haile Selassie I, born Tafari Makonnen Woldemikael on July 23, 1892, in Ejersa Goro, Harar, in what is now Ethiopia, ascended to prominence as a transformative and controversial figure in global politics. His reign as Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974 made him a significant post-colonial African leader who passionately advocated for African unity and the modernization of Ethiopia.

Early in his life, Haile Selassie's political acumen began to take shape. He was born into the ruling Ethiopian nobility, being the son of Ras Makonnen, a trusted general and friend of Emperor Menelik II. With this background, Selassie was positioned well to understand the complex dynamics of Ethiopian politics and the pressures from foreign influences. He emerged on the national stage as a progressive thinker when Ethiopia was under the rule of Empress Zewditu, Menelik II's daughter. Tafari was named regent and heir apparent in 1916 after orchestrating a political maneuver that saw the deposition of Lij Iyasu, accused of having converted to Islam and forsaking Ethiopia's Christian heritage. This strategic elimination not only elevated Tafari’s status but also pointed to his diplomatic skill and political foresight.

As regent, Selassie initiated a program of modernization, seeking to reform the somewhat feudal system that dominated Ethiopia. He introduced progressive policies such as the abolition of slavery, reorganization of the military, and increased public education. His foresight into legal reforms led him to establish Ethiopia’s first Constitution in 1931, a document that, while maintaining his imperial power, also set the foundations for a parliamentary system.

His rise to Emperor in 1930 signified the dawn of a new era for Ethiopia, represented at the globally impactful coronation which attracted royalty and emissaries from around the world. However, the most daunting challenge of his reign came five years later, in 1935, when Italy, under the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini, invaded Ethiopia. Haile Selassie led his country in what has since been viewed as a valiant though doomed attempt to resist Italian colonial efforts. In 1936, as Italian forces overwhelmed Ethiopian defenses, Selassie was forced into exile, but he famously took the plight of his nation to the international stage, delivering a stirring plea for assistance before the League of Nations in Geneva. His appeal highlighted the failures of the League in preventing aggression and stood as a defining moment, underscoring the importance of international justice and cooperation.

Selassie’s return to power in 1941, following British and Ethiopian forces' liberation of the country, marked a significant turning point in his political career. He resumed his efforts to modernize Ethiopia, embracing a new world order emerging from the debris of World War II. He regained his throne with a broader commitment to not only Ethiopian progress but also African independence and unity.

One of Haile Selassie's lasting contributions was his role in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, headquartered in Addis Ababa. He was instrumental in promoting the idea that African nations could unite and overcome colonial legacies through collective effort and solidarity. His advocacy for pan-Africanism underscored much of his foreign policy, where he sought to encourage newly independent African nations to find a common political and economic voice.

Domestically, Selassie's reign was not without criticism. Though he pushed for reforms, his autocratic style and slow movement towards genuine democratic reform frustrated many. By the late 1960s, as Ethiopia struggled with famine, social instability, and economic difficulties, dissatisfaction grew. The disconnect between the ageing emperor and the needs of a younger, more dynamic Ethiopian society was evident.

In 1974, this disconnect culminated in a military coup that ended his reign. The Derg, a Marxist military junta, seized power, leading to Selassie's arrest. He died under mysterious circumstances in 1975 while under house arrest. The end of his reign closed a significant chapter in Ethiopian history, but left a complex legacy that continues to shape the country's socio-political landscape.

Historically, Haile Selassie stands as a multifaceted political leader. To some, he was a visionary who sought to modernize and unify a diverse and historically isolated nation. To others, his inability to effectively manage Ethiopia's internal strife led to his downfall. Despite the controversies, Selassie’s influence on pan-African unity, his fight for Ethiopia's sovereignty, and his efforts to create a modern Ethiopian identity remain significant contributions to twentieth-century geopolitics. His legacy is also buoyed by the cultural and religious veneration he inspires worldwide, notably within the Rastafari movement which regards him as a guiding messianic figure. His political life, marked by both struggle and achievement, continues to echo through history as a symbol of resilience and the complex demands of modernization and leadership.