Lesson 2: Power Rivalry & Consolidating Central Government
Video Lesson
Competencies
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- discuss the power rivalry between the major lords of Ethiopia between 1855 and 1913
Brainstorming Question
- What makes Emperor Tewodros II different from his immediate predecessors?
- Why were Emperor Tewodros II’s reforms not warmly welcomed?
- How did the battle of Debarqi in 1848 shape the life of Emperor Tewodros?
Key Terminology and Concepts
- Ethiopian Unification
- Empire
- Central power Consolidation
Ethiopian unification refers to the process of consolidating various regional states, ethnic groups, and territories into a single, cohesive Ethiopian nation-state. This process involved both political and territorial consolidation and was characterized by several key aspects
An empire is a large political unit or state that typically consists of several territories, nations, or regions, all under the control of a single sovereign authority or ruler.
Central power consolidation refers to the process of concentrating authority and control within a single, central governing body or leader, as opposed to distributing power across various local or regional entities.
A. Tewodros II(1855-1868)
During the Zemene Mesafint, Ethiopia faced a weakened central government, doctrinal disputes within the Orthodox Church, and widespread instability, with the peasantry suffering the most, prompting Kassa Hailu to rise against the Worashe dynasty, defeating several regional lords in key battles, including the significant victory at the battle of Guramba(1852), Gorgora Bichen (April 1853), Ayishal in June 1853 which ended the Worashe rule and Deresge in February 1855 which led to Kassa Hailu’s ascent as Tewodros II, thus concluding the Zemene Mesafint era after his final triumph over Dejach Wube in February 1855.
Emperor Tewodros II of Ethiopia, who ruled from 1855 to 1868, is known for his ambitious reforms aimed at modernizing and centralizing the Ethiopian Empire. His reign marked a significant period of transformation, as he sought to strengthen his authority and improve the country’s administrative and military systems. Here are some key reforms he undertook:
- Centralization of Power
- Military Reorganization
- Administrative Reforms
The fundamental causes for the fall of Emperor Tewodros II of Ethiopia can be summarized as follows:
- Conflict with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church
- Military Defeat by British
- Internal Rebellion and Regional Opposition
B. Emperor Yohannis IV (1872 to 1889)
Emperor Yohannis IV was politically liberal and followed an administration that resembled federalism. Yohannis was willing and ready to share power with his vassals. He granted a great deal of autonomy to regional and dynastic rulers. Yohannis IV did not interfere in the internal affairs of his vassals as long as they recognized his over-lordship and paid tribute. However, Emperor Yohannis IV dedicated his efforts to defending Ethiopia from external threats, successfully combating Egyptian invaders, halting Italian expansion from Massawa, and fighting Mahdist forces in Sudan, ultimately losing his life in the 1889 Battle of Metemma.
C. The Shift of the Political Centre from the North to Shewa
Despite Emperor Yohannis IV designating Ras Mengesha as his successor, it was Negus Menilek of Shewa who ultimately inherited the throne. While Emperor Tewodros II laid the groundwork for modern Ethiopian state formation and Yohannis IV succeeded in consolidating regional autonomy, it was Menilek II who effectively completed the unification process. Under Menilek’s reign, Ethiopia’s territory expanded significantly, and the victory at Adwa in 1896 secured its first internationally recognized modern borders.
The main features of the reign of Emperor Menilek II included:
- Large scale territorial expansion. He extended the territory of the Shewan Kingdom to the south, southwest, and southeastern Ethiopia.
- Defending the country against colonial aggression by mobilizing the entire Ethiopian population
- The process of modernization in Ethiopia that was begun by Emperor Tewodros.