The rise and fall of Emperor Haile Selassie.
Channel: Emperors
Date: 2023-06-30

Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974, played a pivotal role in Ethiopian history and the Rastafari movement. As Regent Plenipotentiary for Empress Zewditu, he ascended to power in 1916. Belonging to the Solomonic dynasty, which claims lineage to Emperor Menelik I, he is revered by Rastafarians as a key figure. Haile Selassie pursued modernization through political and social reforms, including the abolition of slavery and the introduction of Ethiopia's first written constitution in 1931. Despite his efforts, Ethiopia fell to Italian occupation, leading to his exile in England. He returned in 1941 and dissolved the Ethiopia-Eritrea Federation, fighting against secession. Haile Selassie actively participated in international affairs, co-founding the Organization of African Unity in 1963. In 1974, he was overthrown and subsequently assassinated. While considered a messiah by some Rastafarians, he remained a devout Christian. He faced criticism for suppressing rebellions, the pace of modernization, and allegations of autocracy.