Haile Selassie, also known as Ras Tafari Makonnen, was the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 until 1974. His leadership is widely regarded as having made Ethiopia a colonist exception, as it was the only country in Africa to have successfully resisted colonization by a European power.
Haile Selassie's leadership was characterized by his commitment to preserving Ethiopia's independence and sovereignty, as well as his efforts to modernize and develop the country.
Haile Selassie was born in 1892 in the Ethiopian province of Harar. He was the son of Ras Makonnen, a prominent general in the Ethiopian army, and he was educated at a French military school in Harar. In 1916, he was appointed governor of the Ethiopian province of Sidamo, where he gained a reputation for being an effective and just leader.
In 1930, Haile Selassie has crowned Emperor of Ethiopia, succeeding his predecessor, Empress Zewditu. His coronation was attended by dignitaries from around the world, including representatives from many European countries.
Haile Selassie's leadership was characterized by his commitment to preserving Ethiopia's independence and sovereignty. He worked tirelessly to promote Ethiopia's interests on the world stage, and he was a vocal advocate for African unity and solidarity. He also made efforts to modernize and develop Ethiopia, investing in infrastructure projects, education, and healthcare.
Haile Selassie's leadership was put to the test in the 1930s, when Italy, under the leadership of Benito Mussolini, began to exert its influence over Ethiopia. In 1935, Italy invaded Ethiopia, using modern weapons and tactics to try to subdue the Ethiopian army. However, Haile Selassie was able to mobilize his troops and rally the Ethiopian people, using traditional guerrilla tactics to resist the Italian occupation. After years of conflict, Ethiopia was finally liberated in 1941, with Haile Selassie returning to the throne.
Haile Selassie continued to lead Ethiopia until 1974 when he was overthrown in a military coup. Despite the end of his reign, his legacy lives on as a symbol of Ethiopian pride and resilience. His leadership made Ethiopia a colonist exception, and his commitment to preserving Ethiopia's independence and sovereignty is still celebrated by Ethiopians today.