1.

Discuss the Causes for, and the Consequences of, Different Peasant Uprisings in Ethiopia (5
points)

Introduction: Peasant uprisings in Ethiopia were common throughout history, often rooted in economic
hardship, social injustices, and resistance to feudal exploitation. These uprisings reflected the struggles
of rural communities against oppressive systems.

Main Points:

Causes:

Heavy Taxation: Peasants faced burdensome taxes that severely impacted their livelihoods.

Land Exploitation: Feudal lords owned vast amounts of land, often forcing peasants to work under harsh
conditions with little reward.

Lack of Representation: Peasants had minimal political influence and were excluded from decision-
making processes.

Economic Hardships: Famine, poverty, and lack of resources intensified frustrations among rural
communities, leading to uprisings.

Consequences:

Repression: Many uprisings were met with severe crackdowns by the ruling class, leading to loss of lives
and further oppression.
Social Reforms: In some cases, peasant resistance led to changes in land distribution policies and the
reduction of exploitation.

Political Change: Persistent uprisings gradually pressured the government to consider policy reforms and
adapt to the demands of rural populations.

Conclusion: The peasant uprisings in Ethiopia were significant in highlighting socio-economic issues and
shaping subsequent reforms. These movements laid the foundation for future demands for social justice
and more equitable governance in Ethiopia.

2. Explain the Contribution of Different Provincial Lords Together with Their Armies for the Victory
of Ethiopia at the Battle of Adwa in 1896 (5 points)

Introduction: The Battle of Adwa, fought in 1896, was a historic event where Ethiopian forces
successfully defeated the Italian colonial army. This victory was crucial for maintaining Ethiopia’s
sovereignty and inspired anti-colonial movements across Africa.

Main Points:

Unity Among Provincial Lords:

Emperor Menelik II’s leadership was instrumental in uniting various provincial lords, who put aside their
differences to defend Ethiopia.

Key Figures: Lords such as Ras Alula, Ras Mekonnen, and Empress Taytu contributed soldiers, resources,
and strategic insights.
Military Contributions:

Each provincial lord brought experienced troops, including cavalry and infantry, which were critical for
the diverse military strategies employed.

Local knowledge of the terrain enabled Ethiopian forces to strategize effectively against the Italian
troops.

Strategic Alliance:

The coordinated efforts and loyalty of the provincial lords created a strong Ethiopian front that not only
repelled the Italian forces but also secured a historic victory.

Conclusion: The Battle of Adwa stands as a powerful example of Ethiopian unity and resilience. The
provincial lords’ contributions were essential to this victory, which preserved Ethiopia’s independence
and reinforced its national pride.

3. Discuss the Origin and Development of the Ethiopian Student Movement (5 points)

Introduction: The Ethiopian Student Movement (ESM) emerged in the 1960s as a response to political
repression, lack of civil rights, and social inequalities. Initially concentrated in universities, the movement
grew into a powerful force for change.

Main Points:

Origin:
The movement began with students at Haile Selassie I University (now Addis Ababa University) who
were concerned with government corruption, lack of democracy, and land inequality.

Inspired by global student movements and Marxist ideologies, Ethiopian students demanded reforms
and voiced the grievances of the rural poor.

Development:

The movement evolved to include demands for land reform, women’s rights, and an end to feudal
exploitation.

It spread beyond the university, influencing other segments of society and eventually challenging the
monarchy.

Impact on Political Change:

ESM played a key role in toppling Emperor Haile Selassie’s government and the rise of the Derg regime. It
laid the foundation for political awareness and mobilization in Ethiopian society.

Conclusion: The Ethiopian Student Movement was a significant catalyst for political and social change in
Ethiopia. Its demands for justice and equity continue to influence Ethiopian political discourse today.

4. Discuss Major Socio-Economic and Political Developments in Post-1974 Ethiopia (5 points)

Introduction: The 1974 Ethiopian Revolution marked a turning point in Ethiopian history, leading to the
fall of Emperor Haile Selassie and the rise of the Derg regime. This shift brought about significant socio-
economic and political changes that reshaped the nation.

Main Points:

Social and Economic Reforms:

Land Nationalization: The Derg nationalized land, aiming to reduce inequality by distributing land to
peasants.

Education and Health Expansion: Efforts were made to improve access to education and healthcare,
although resources were often limited.

Political Changes:

Introduction of Marxist-Leninist Ideology: The Derg adopted socialism, leading to a centralized economy
and state-controlled resources.

Ethnic Federalism (Post-Derg Era): After the fall of the Derg in 1991, Ethiopia transitioned to a federal
system, granting ethnic groups more autonomy and reshaping the political landscape.

Economic Growth and Challenges:

Liberalization and Development Efforts: The post-Derg government embraced market reforms,
encouraging investment and infrastructure development. Despite growth, challenges such as poverty
and inequality persist.
Conclusion: Post-1974 Ethiopia has undergone transformative changes, from the socialist policies of the
Derg to the federal system and economic liberalization of the post-Derg era. These developments
continue to impact Ethiopia’s socio-economic and political landscape today.

Additional Guidance

Introduction: Provide a brief overview of each question to introduce the topic.

Main Body: Discuss each point with detailed explanations, historical context, and examples to support
your arguments.

Conclusion: Summarize the main takeaways and the lasting impact of each topic on Ethiopia’s history.

References: Use historical records, academic sources, or reliable online materials to back your analysis.

This outline should help structure your assignment and cover each question comprehensively. Let me
know if you need more specific examples or details on any of these points!

Here’s a detailed breakdown for each question to help guide your responses in your assignment. This
structure includes introductions, main points, and suggested conclusions to match the requirements
you’ve shared. Feel free to expand each part further to meet the length criteria.

1. Discuss the Causes for, and the Consequences of, Different Peasant Uprisings in Ethiopia (5
points)
Introduction: Peasant uprisings in Ethiopia were common throughout history, often rooted in economic
hardship, social injustices, and resistance to feudal exploitation. These uprisings reflected the struggles
of rural communities against oppressive systems.

Main Points:

Causes:

Heavy Taxation: Peasants faced burdensome taxes that severely impacted their livelihoods.

Land Exploitation: Feudal lords owned vast amounts of land, often forcing peasants to work under harsh
conditions with little reward.

Lack of Representation: Peasants had minimal political influence and were excluded from decision-
making processes.

Economic Hardships: Famine, poverty, and lack of resources intensified frustrations among rural
communities, leading to uprisings.

Consequences:

Repression: Many uprisings were met with severe crackdowns by the ruling class, leading to loss of lives
and further oppression.

Social Reforms: In some cases, peasant resistance led to changes in land distribution policies and the
reduction of exploitation.

Political Change: Persistent uprisings gradually pressured the government to consider policy reforms and
adapt to the demands of rural populations.
Conclusion: The peasant uprisings in Ethiopia were significant in highlighting socio-economic issues and
shaping subsequent reforms. These movements laid the foundation for future demands for social justice
and more equitable governance in Ethiopia.

2. Explain the Contribution of Different Provincial Lords Together with Their Armies for the Victory
of Ethiopia at the Battle of Adwa in 1896 (5 points)

Introduction: The Battle of Adwa, fought in 1896, was a historic event where Ethiopian forces
successfully defeated the Italian colonial army. This victory was crucial for maintaining Ethiopia’s
sovereignty and inspired anti-colonial movements across Africa.

Main Points:

Unity Among Provincial Lords:

Emperor Menelik II’s leadership was instrumental in uniting various provincial lords, who put aside their
differences to defend Ethiopia.

Key Figures: Lords such as Ras Alula, Ras Mekonnen, and Empress Taytu contributed soldiers, resources,
and strategic insights.

Military Contributions:

Each provincial lord brought experienced troops, including cavalry and infantry, which were critical for
the diverse military strategies employed.
Local knowledge of the terrain enabled Ethiopian forces to strategize effectively against the Italian
troops.

Strategic Alliance:

The coordinated efforts and loyalty of the provincial lords created a strong Ethiopian front that not only
repelled the Italian forces but also secured a historic victory.

Conclusion: The Battle of Adwa stands as a powerful example of Ethiopian unity and resilience. The
provincial lords’ contributions were essential to this victory, which preserved Ethiopia’s independence
and reinforced its national pride.

3. Discuss the Origin and Development of the Ethiopian Student Movement (5 points)

Introduction: The Ethiopian Student Movement (ESM) emerged in the 1960s as a response to political
repression, lack of civil rights, and social inequalities. Initially concentrated in universities, the movement
grew into a powerful force for change.

Main Points:

Origin:

The movement began with students at Haile Selassie I University (now Addis Ababa University) who
were concerned with government corruption, lack of democracy, and land inequality.
Inspired by global student movements and Marxist ideologies, Ethiopian students demanded reforms
and voiced the grievances of the rural poor.

Development:

The movement evolved to include demands for land reform, women’s rights, and an end to feudal
exploitation.

It spread beyond the university, influencing other segments of society and eventually challenging the
monarchy.

Impact on Political Change:

ESM played a key role in toppling Emperor Haile Selassie’s government and the rise of the Derg regime. It
laid the foundation for political awareness and mobilization in Ethiopian society.

Conclusion: The Ethiopian Student Movement was a significant catalyst for political and social change in
Ethiopia. Its demands for justice and equity continue to influence Ethiopian political discourse today.

4. Discuss Major Socio-Economic and Political Developments in Post-1974 Ethiopia (5 points)

Introduction: The 1974 Ethiopian Revolution marked a turning point in Ethiopian history, leading to the
fall of Emperor Haile Selassie and the rise of the Derg regime. This shift brought about significant socio-
economic and political changes that reshaped the nation.
Main Points:

Social and Economic Reforms:

Land Nationalization: The Derg nationalized land, aiming to reduce inequality by distributing land to
peasants.

Education and Health Expansion: Efforts were made to improve access to education and healthcare,
although resources were often limited.

Political Changes:

Introduction of Marxist-Leninist Ideology: The Derg adopted socialism, leading to a centralized economy
and state-controlled resources.

Ethnic Federalism (Post-Derg Era): After the fall of the Derg in 1991, Ethiopia transitioned to a federal
system, granting ethnic groups more autonomy and reshaping the political landscape.

Economic Growth and Challenges:

Liberalization and Development Efforts: The post-Derg government embraced market reforms,
encouraging investment and infrastructure development. Despite growth, challenges such as poverty
and inequality persist.

Conclusion: Post-1974 Ethiopia has undergone transformative changes, from the socialist policies of the
Derg to the federal system and economic liberalization of the post-Derg era. These developments
continue to impact Ethiopia’s socio-economic and political landscape today.
Additional Guidance

Introduction: Provide a brief overview of each question to introduce the topic.

Main Body: Discuss each point with detailed explanations, historical context, and examples to support
your arguments.

Conclusion: Summarize the main takeaways and the lasting impact of each topic on Ethiopia’s history.

References: Use historical records, academic sources, or reliable online materials