Girma Fall
The Girma Fall, a pivotal event in Ethiopian history, transpired on September 12, 1974, at the Imperial Palace in Addis Ababa. This dramatic incident witnessed the dethronement of Emperor Haile Selassie I, marking the end of a dynasty that had ruled Ethiopia for centuries. The event was a culmination of a series of political and economic upheavals that had plagued Ethiopia during the 1970s, culminating in a military coup that ultimately led to the establishment of the Derg, a military junta, as the ruling power.
The Historical Context, Girma fall
The Girma Fall took place against the backdrop of a nation grappling with widespread poverty, political repression, and economic instability. Emperor Haile Selassie I, revered as a symbol of Ethiopian nationalism and a champion against Italian colonialism, had lost touch with the realities facing his people. His rule was marked by a growing sense of discontent among the populace, fueled by factors such as corruption, inequality, and the absence of meaningful political reforms. The rise of the Derg, a group of young military officers who believed in socialist ideals and sought to modernize Ethiopia, further intensified the political climate.
Motivations and Objectives of the Individuals Involved
The Girma Fall was the result of a complex interplay of motivations and objectives among the key individuals involved. The Derg, led by figures like Mengistu Haile Mariam, sought to dismantle the existing power structure and establish a socialist regime. Their objectives included redistributing wealth, promoting social justice, and transforming Ethiopia into a modern state. Emperor Haile Selassie, however, clung to his authority and resisted any attempts to relinquish power. His primary motivation was to maintain his position as the absolute ruler of Ethiopia, even as the nation teetered on the brink of collapse.
Timeline of the Events
The Girma Fall was not an isolated event but rather the culmination of a series of events that had been unfolding for years.
- 1974: A wave of strikes and protests erupted across Ethiopia, demanding political reforms and economic justice. The Derg, sensing an opportunity, seized control of the military and began to exert their influence on the political landscape.
- September 12, 1974: In a swift and decisive move, the Derg stormed the Imperial Palace and placed Emperor Haile Selassie under house arrest. The Emperor, stripped of his power and authority, was confined to his palace, effectively ending his reign.
- 1975: The Derg consolidated its power and implemented a series of radical reforms, including the nationalization of key industries and the redistribution of land. The Emperor, however, remained a symbol of the old regime and a potential threat to the Derg’s authority.
- August 27, 1975: Emperor Haile Selassie I was found dead in his palace, under mysterious circumstances. His death marked the end of the Solomonic dynasty and ushered in a new era of political turmoil and violence in Ethiopia.
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