key term - Ethiopia under the Derg

Definition

Ethiopia under the Derg refers to the period from 1974 to 1991 when a Marxist military junta, known as the Derg, ruled Ethiopia after overthrowing Emperor Haile Selassie. This era was marked by political repression, civil war, and significant social and economic changes, reflecting broader trends of political instability and military coups in Africa during the late 20th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Derg came to power amid widespread dissatisfaction with Emperor Haile Selassie's rule, characterized by feudal practices and poverty.
2. Under the Derg, Ethiopia underwent nationalization of industries and land reforms aimed at implementing socialist principles, which led to economic turmoil and famine.
3. The Red Terror campaign from 1977 to 1978 targeted real and perceived opponents of the Derg, resulting in thousands being executed or 'disappeared.'
4. The Derg faced armed resistance from various groups, most notably the EPRDF and the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front, which ultimately led to its downfall.
5. The regime's policies contributed to widespread famine in the mid-1980s, notably the 1983-1985 famine that killed an estimated one million people and drew international attention.

Review Questions

• How did the Derg come to power in Ethiopia, and what were some immediate changes implemented by this regime?
  • The Derg came to power in 1974 by overthrowing Emperor Haile Selassie amidst rising dissatisfaction due to economic mismanagement and social inequality. Once in power, the Derg implemented immediate changes such as nationalizing land and industries in an attempt to establish a socialist state. This shift aimed to reduce feudal practices but instead led to economic challenges and increased political repression.
• What were the key strategies employed by the Derg during its rule to maintain control over Ethiopia?
  • To maintain control, the Derg employed strategies such as widespread political repression through campaigns like the Red Terror, targeting opponents to eliminate dissent. They also centralized power within a military framework while promoting Marxist-Leninist ideology. Additionally, they sought to quash ethnic tensions by emphasizing national unity, although this often resulted in further conflicts with various ethnic groups resisting centralized authority.
• Evaluate the impact of the Derg's policies on Ethiopian society and how these contributed to its eventual downfall.
  • The Derg's policies significantly impacted Ethiopian society by intensifying political repression, leading to widespread fear and discontent among the populace. Economic mismanagement and harsh land reforms caused severe famines, exacerbating public suffering and disillusionment. As resistance grew from groups like the EPRDF, which capitalized on the regime's failures and organized popular support against it, these cumulative pressures ultimately contributed to the Derg's collapse in 1991.

Related terms

Derg: The Derg was a committee of military officers that led Ethiopia after deposing Haile Selassie, implementing socialist policies and suppressing dissent.

Red Terror: A campaign of political repression initiated by the Derg during the late 1970s to eliminate opposition, which resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread fear.

EPRDF: The Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, a rebel group that opposed the Derg and eventually succeeded in overthrowing it in 1991.