The 1974 Ethiopian Revolution, A Marxist Coup D'état Leading To Decades Of Political Upheaval and Social Transformation

Ethiopia, a nation steeped in ancient history and imperial grandeur, witnessed a seismic shift in its political landscape during the 20th century. The year 1974 marked a turning point, as simmering discontent among various segments of society erupted into a full-blown revolution. This event, known as the Ethiopian Revolution, toppled the centuries-old monarchy and ushered in an era of socialist rule under the Derg regime.

The seeds of discontent were sown long before 1974. Emperor Haile Selassie I, revered by many Ethiopians for his role in modernizing the country and resisting Italian colonialism, had also become increasingly authoritarian. His government was accused of corruption, nepotism, and neglecting the plight of the peasantry. A severe famine that ravaged Ethiopia in the early 1970s further exposed the inadequacies of the imperial system, leading to widespread disillusionment and anger.

Adding fuel to the fire were economic challenges. Inflation soared, unemployment rose, and a scarcity of essential goods plagued the nation. These hardships disproportionately affected the urban poor and rural farmers, who bore the brunt of Selassie’s modernization programs. A burgeoning student movement, inspired by Marxist ideology and demanding social justice, became a vocal critic of the regime.

In February 1974, a series of demonstrations organized by university students and workers escalated into nationwide protests. The military, initially deployed to quell the unrest, found itself increasingly sympathetic to the revolutionaries’ demands for change. A group of low-ranking officers within the armed forces, calling themselves the “Derg” (meaning “committee” or “council”), staged a coup d’état in September 1974. Emperor Selassie was deposed, arrested, and eventually died under mysterious circumstances in 1975.

The Derg, led by Mengistu Haile Mariam, embarked on a radical program of social and economic transformation. Land reform measures were implemented, redistributing vast tracts of land owned by the aristocracy to peasant farmers. This move aimed to address centuries-old inequalities and empower the rural masses.

Nationalization policies saw the state take control of key industries, banks, and businesses. The Derg sought to create a socialist economy, emphasizing self-reliance and reducing Ethiopia’s dependence on foreign aid. These policies, however, were often implemented haphazardly and met with mixed results.

The revolution also had profound social consequences. The Derg promoted literacy campaigns, expanded access to healthcare and education, and encouraged women’s participation in the workforce.

Despite initial progress in some areas, the Derg regime soon descended into authoritarianism. Mengistu’s paranoia and ruthlessness led to widespread human rights abuses, including mass arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The “Red Terror” campaign of the late 1970s targeted perceived political opponents, intellectuals, and anyone deemed a threat to the regime.

The Derg’s socialist experiment ultimately failed. Its economic policies proved unsustainable, leading to chronic shortages and hyperinflation. A brutal civil war against Eritrean separatists further drained Ethiopia’s resources. By the late 1980s, the country was facing widespread famine and economic collapse.

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 dealt a fatal blow to the Derg regime. Weakened by internal strife and external pressures, Mengistu fled the country in May 1991, marking the end of his rule.

The Ethiopian Revolution left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. It ushered in a period of dramatic change, but also sowed the seeds of future conflict and instability. While the revolution achieved some positive social reforms, its legacy is ultimately marred by the brutality and repression of the Derg regime. The event serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of revolutionary movements and the potential for unintended consequences.

The aftermath of the revolution witnessed the emergence of a new Ethiopian political landscape. A transitional government paved the way for multi-party elections, leading to the establishment of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) in 1995.

While Ethiopia has made significant strides in terms of economic growth and infrastructure development under the EPRDF, questions remain about the country’s commitment to democratic values and human rights. The legacy of the revolution continues to shape Ethiopian politics and society, reminding us of the enduring struggle for justice and equality in this ancient land.