Haile Selassie I (23 July 1892 – 27 August 1975) was Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974. A key figure in modern Ethiopian history, he sought to modernize the country through political and social reforms. Before becoming emperor, he served as regent under Empress Zewditu from 1916. His rule was marked by efforts to centralize power, abolish slavery, and navigate Ethiopia’s role in international affairs.
During the Second Italo-Ethiopian War (1935 – 1936), Selassie led Ethiopia’s resistance against Italian invasion but was forced into exile. He appealed to the League of Nations, though support was limited. After World War II, with British assistance, he returned to reclaim his throne. In 1963, he played a pivotal role in forming the Organisation of African Unity, advocating for African unity and decolonization.
Despite his global recognition, Selassie faced growing unrest at home. Economic struggles, political repression, and famine fueled dissent. In 1974, he was overthrown by the Derg military junta, which later executed him in 1975. His legacy remains complex – he is revered in the Rastafari movement as a divine figure, while others criticize his autocratic rule.