The deposition of Iyasu V and the proclamation of his aunt Zewditu marked a significant turning point in Ethiopian politics. The coup was led by a group of nobles, military leaders, and religious figures who were increasingly concerned about Iyasu's inclination towards Germany during World War I, which jeopardized Ethiopia's traditional autonomy. This group saw Zewditu, daughter of Menelik II, as a stabilizing figure who could unite the various factions within the country. On the day of the coup, major military and civilian leaders rallied to support Zewditu's claim to the throne, which transformed the political landscape of Ethiopia.

Zewditu was crowned as Empress in a ceremony that emphasized her lineage and connection to Menelik II, the revered ruler who had successfully resisted colonization. As Empress, Zewditu focused on national unity and sought to restore the country’s traditional values. However, her reign was challenged by various factions, including the youth and modernists who were influenced by the global tide of change and modernization. The palace coup brought forward a struggle between traditionalism and modernity within Ethiopia.

The political upheaval set the stage for further conflicts within the country as different groups sought to assert their influence. Zewditu's reign, while significant, would ultimately be overshadowed by the rise of Haile Selassie, her cousin, who would eventually take power in a subsequent coup, indicating persistent instability within the Ethiopian monarchy.