History Assignment

6.2.
The Making of Modern Ethiopian State
The making of the modern Ethiopian state went through two distinct phases.
A. unifying different regions and peoples in north and north central parts of Ethiopia.
B. territorial expansion into the southern parts of the country.
A. The Process of Territorial Unification

The territorial unification ushered in a revival of the imperial power, which had declined during the
Zemene-Mesafint. The main figure was Kasa Hailu of Quara who later became Emperor Tewodros II
of Ethiopia. After he became emperor In 1837 he assisted his brother Dejjazmach Kinfu in defeating
the Egyptians at Wad Kaltabu (in present-day eastern Sudan). In 1848, Kasa fought against the
Egyptians at Dabarki (again in present Sudan). Kasa’s forces lost the battle owing to the Egyptians’
superior military organization, discipline, and better arms. kasa became a concern to the werra
sheh(yeju) ruling house and they arranged marriage between kasa and mentwab (daughter of ali II) and
he became governor of Quara. Due to mistreatment from mentwab’s relative he resumed shiftnet after
this more wares breakout.
 November 27, 1852 Kasa defeated Dejjach Goshu Zewde of Gojjam at Gur Amba
 April 12, 1853 Birru Aligaz, Aben, Yazew and Belew, the four dejjazmachs at Taqusa (Gorgora
Bichign)
 Ras Ali at Ayshal on 29 June 1853 and Dejjazmach Wube of Simen and Tigray at Deresge on
8 February, 1855. And at February 9 1855 he became Tewodros II king of kings of ethiopia.
Some internal and external factors lead to tewodross downfall these are internal and external cases
Internally broke out of rebellions and externally serious diplomatic crisis following the imprisonment
of a handful of Britons and other Europeans. Which leads Tewodros committing suicide on April 13,
1868 in the battle at mekdelamba. The death of Tewodros leads to the emerge of contenders
Wagshum Gobeze of Lasta, Kasa Mircha of Tigray and Menilek of Shewa. wagshum gobeze
Took the seat but emperor kasa mircha (yohannes Iv) became the emperor at the battle of assam July
1871. He attempte to built decentralized system of administration and He succeeded in achieving the
unity of the predominantly-Christian provinces. He lead EOC to religious unity in the country as a
whole. Emperor Yohannes faced rebellins due to religion and external challenges from Egyptians,
Italians, and the Mahdists at different times. And he died at by mehdists at Metemma in 1889. As a
result, the throne was assumed by Negus Menilek of Shewa who became Emperor Menilek II (1889-
1913).
C. Territorial Expansion
Emperor Tewodros II, Emperor Yohannes IV and others made state building their mission and
struggled to achieve that goal. Yet, the most successful was Menilek of Shewa. This was because
Menilek had, access to modern firearms. The control of resource rich areas to build military force and
determination of his generals. Phases of territorial expansion of menilik
1. 1875-1889 he aimed for the crown.

2. 1889-1996 expansion for the aim of preparation for a war against Italy
3. 1896-1900 The process of territorial expansion was consummated with the signing of
boundary agreements with the neighboring colonial powers that continued until 1908.
Most of these treaties were signed after the victory of Adwa.
6.3. Modernization Attempts
kasa’s defeat by the well-trained and equipped Egyptian troops made him think putting the country
“on an equal footing with European powers.” Which lead him to take military, administrative and
socio-economic reform measures.
Emperor Yohannes' reign also first Ethiopian monarch to appoint foreign consul, he sent some
individuals abroad for modern education and introduce modern style vaccine against smallpox.
Emperor Menilek had diverse elements which are the establishment of a postal service and
telecommunications/ the telephone-telegraph system, the construction of railway, the opening of a
bank (the Bank of Abyssinia) and the introduction of silver coin. Administration system He introduced
a policy of auditing of government accounts, and he tried to integrate Ethiopian Muslims into the
administration structure.
During the Dual Rule of Empress Zewditu and Ras Teferi (r. 1916-1930), the entry of Ethiopia into the
League of Nations centralization of the government, promulgation of Ethiopia’s first constitution in
1931, establishment of Imperial Body Guard in 1930, opening of Ethiopia’s first Military Academy at
Holeta with the help of a Swedish military mission in 1934.

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6.2.

The Making of Modern Ethiopian State

A. The Process of Territorial Unification

1. 1875-1889 he aimed for the crown.

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