Historical Events tagged with "ethiopia"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Arts & Culture

Recording of Band Aid's 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'

November 25th, 1984 40 years ago

Thirty-six prominent musicians gathered in a Notting Hill studio to record 'Do They Know It's Christmas?', a charity single aimed at raising money for famine relief in Ethiopia. This initiative was spearheaded by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in response to the severe famine affecting the country at that time. The single featured a diverse ensemble of popular artists who united for a common cause, showcasing the power of music in philanthropy.

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Military & Warfare

Truce Signed to End Ethio-Somali War

March 15th, 1978 47 years ago

Somalia and Ethiopia concluded peace negotiations to end the Ethio-Somali War, fighting which had spanned several months over border disputes and territorial claims. Representatives from both countries met to finalize an agreement designed to stabilize their relations and restore peace in the region, focusing particularly on the Ogaden region. This truce was a significant step, as both nations had been involved in intense military engagements, impacting their economies and civilian populations.

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Military & Warfare

Somalia's Declaration of War on Ethiopia

July 13th, 1977 47 years ago

Somalia officially declared war on Ethiopia, initiating the Ogaden War, a conflict rooted in territorial disputes over the Ogaden region, which is largely inhabited by ethnic Somalis. The announcement was made by Somali President Siad Barre, who aimed to unify the Somali people in a campaign to reclaim lands that were historically claimed by Somalia. This declaration intensified tensions in the Horn of Africa and involved multiple regional and international actors. Ethiopia's defense efforts were supported by the Soviet Union and Cuba, complicating the geopolitical landscape of the region.

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Exploration & Discovery

Discovery of Lucy: Ancient Hominid Skeleton

November 24th, 1974 50 years ago

Donald Johanson and Tom Gray discovered a remarkable 40% complete Australopithecus afarensis skeleton in the Awash Valley of Ethiopia's Afar Depression. Nicknamed 'Lucy' after the Beatles song 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,' this find provided crucial insights into human evolution. The excavation yielded significant fossil remains, with Lucy dating back approximately 3.2 million years. This discovery shaped our understanding of bipedalism and the traits shared by ancient hominins and modern humans.

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Politics & Government

Execution of Ethiopian Political Leaders

November 23rd, 1974 50 years ago

Sixty Ethiopian politicians, aristocrats, and military officers were executed by the provisional military government as a means to eliminate opposition and consolidate power during a period of political upheaval. This mass execution took place following a coup that had overthrown Emperor Haile Selassie in September 1974, leading to significant changes in the Ethiopian political landscape under the Derg regime. The executed individuals were accused of crimes against the state, contributing to a climate of fear and repression as the new military rulers implemented radical reforms.

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Politics & Government

Haile Selassie Overthrown by Military Coup

September 12th, 1974 50 years ago

Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia was deposed by a military coup led by the Derg, a committee of military officers. This coup ended his reign of 58 years, which began in 1916. The Derg's uprising was largely fueled by widespread discontent over poverty, land reform, and the perception of a corrupt imperial regime. Selassie's deposition marked a significant shift in Ethiopia's political landscape, leading the country towards a socialist-oriented government. The coup took place in Addis Ababa, the capital, and set into motion a series of events that would affect the nation for decades.

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Accidents & Tragedies

East African Airways Flight 720 Rejected Takeoff Crash

April 18th, 1972 52 years ago

East African Airways Flight 720 was a scheduled flight from Addis Ababa to Nairobi. On this flight, the aircraft attempted a rejected takeoff at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, leading to a crash that resulted in the deaths of 43 people. The incident raised significant concerns over aviation safety in the region and highlighted issues related to pilot training and aircraft performance.

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Politics & Government

Formation of the Organisation of African Unity

May 25th, 1963 61 years ago

The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was created in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 25, 1963, with the aim of promoting unity and cooperation among African nations. Leaders from 32 independent African states convened to discuss common challenges facing the continent, focusing on decolonization, economic development, and regional security. The establishment of the OAU was largely driven by the desire to combat colonialism, ensure African sovereignty, and enhance economic integration among its member states.

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Politics & Government

Emperor Haile Selassie Regains Control in Ethiopia

December 17th, 1960 64 years ago

Troops loyal to Emperor Haile Selassie successfully ousted a coup attempt that began on December 13. Upon Selassie's return from Brazil, he was welcomed back as the rightful leader of Ethiopia. The pivotal moment showcased the loyalty of the military and Selassie's strategic management of power, which included absolving his son of involvement in the coup.

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