Coup Proclaims Zewditu as Ruler of Ethiopia
Iyasu V was deposed in a palace coup, and his aunt, Zewditu, was proclaimed the new Empress of Ethiopia. The coup was orchestrated by a coalition of nobles and military leaders who opposed Iyasu's perceived alignment with foreign powers, especially Germany. The political situation in Ethiopia was tense, with various factions vying for power amid the backdrop of World War I. Zewditu's ascension marked a pivotal shift in Ethiopian politics, as she became the first woman to hold the title of Empress in modern Ethiopian history.
Zewditu was the first female Empress of Ethiopia.
Iyasu V's pro-German policies contributed to his downfall.
The coup highlighted internal political rivalries.
Zewditu's reign occurred during WWI's global impact.
What Happened?
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.
Why Does it Matter?
The deposition of Iyasu V is interesting as it highlights the intersection of local governance and international relations during World War I. Zewditu's rise to power not only symbolizes a rare instance of female leadership in a predominantly male-dominated political space, but it also initiated a series of political transformations in Ethiopian society. The coup laid the groundwork for future conflicts over the throne, foreshadowing the eventual ascent of Haile Selassie, which would play a crucial role in Ethiopia's modern state-building efforts and its resistance against colonialism.