The 1974 Ethiopian Revolution; A Military Coup D’état Fueled by Famine, Inequality and Political Suppression

Ethiopia, the land of ancient civilizations and emperors, saw a dramatic upheaval in 1974 with the overthrowing of Emperor Haile Selassie I. This event, known as the Ethiopian Revolution, marked a profound shift in the country’s history, dismantling centuries-old imperial rule and ushering in a period of socialist governance. While seemingly sudden, the revolution was a culmination of deep-seated grievances and simmering discontent that had been brewing for decades.

To understand the complexities of the 1974 Ethiopian Revolution, we must delve into the socio-political landscape preceding it.

• The Emperor’s Grip: Haile Selassie I, revered by Rastafarians as a deity, ruled Ethiopia with an iron fist. His modernization efforts, while commendable, failed to address the stark inequalities plaguing the nation. The feudal system, characterized by vast landholdings in the hands of the aristocracy and the subjugation of peasants, persisted, fueling resentment amongst the impoverished masses.

• A Drought that Devastated:

The late 1960s and early 1970s witnessed a catastrophic drought that ravaged Ethiopia. Millions faced starvation, and images of emaciated bodies flooded international media, exposing the emperor’s inability to effectively address the crisis. This humanitarian catastrophe deepened the public’s disillusionment with Selassie’s regime.

• Seeds of Dissent:

The discontent simmered beneath the surface for years. Urban workers, students, intellectuals, and even segments within the military expressed their frustration with the lack of political freedom, economic opportunities, and social justice. These groups sought change, yearning for a more equitable and responsive government.

Military Intervention: A Coup with Unexpected Consequences The revolution unfolded in February 1974 when a group of low-ranking officers within the Ethiopian military staged a coup d’état. The Derg, meaning “committee” or “council” in Amharic, emerged as the ruling body. Initially, the Derg presented itself as a provisional government, promising to address the grievances that had led to Selassie’s downfall.

However, the Derg’s subsequent actions betrayed their initial pronouncements. Led by Mengistu Haile Mariam, a charismatic and ruthless leader, they embarked on a radical socialist transformation of Ethiopian society. Private property was nationalized, land was redistributed, and political parties were banned.

The Red Terror: A Period of Brutal Repression While the Derg’s intentions may have been noble on paper—aiming to create a classless society and eradicate poverty—their methods proved devastatingly brutal. The “Red Terror” campaign, unleashed in the late 1970s, targeted perceived enemies of the regime: intellectuals, political opponents, students, and even ethnic minorities.

Thousands were executed without trial, imprisoned in horrific conditions, or simply disappeared. This period of violence and fear silenced dissent and left a deep scar on Ethiopian society.

The Legacy of the 1974 Ethiopian Revolution: A Complex Tapestry The 1974 Ethiopian Revolution remains a controversial event, its legacy shrouded in complexity. On one hand, it brought about significant social changes: land redistribution empowered peasant farmers, and access to education and healthcare expanded.

On the other hand, the revolution’s violent aftermath overshadowed any potential benefits. The Red Terror created a climate of fear and suspicion, hindering Ethiopia’s progress. The socialist experiment ultimately failed, paving the way for a new era under the EPRDF (Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front) in 1991.

Table: Comparing Pre-Revolution and Post-Revolution Ethiopia

The 1974 Ethiopian Revolution, while dismantling an antiquated imperial system, unleashed a torrent of violence and instability. Its complex legacy continues to be debated and analyzed by historians and scholars today. The revolution serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned movements for change can have unintended and devastating consequences if they prioritize power over justice and human dignity.