Haile Selassie I

Born into the Ethiopian aristocracy as Tafari Makonnen, he was a great-grandson of Emperor Sahle Selassie. His father was a prominent general and governor, setting the stage for his future rise to imperial power.

Young Tafari was educated by French missionaries, learning several languages including French, Amharic, and Ge'ez. This modern education would later influence his reformist approach to governing Ethiopia.

At just fourteen, Tafari was appointed governor of a district in Harar province, beginning his administrative career. He would later become governor of the entire Harar province, demonstrating his political capabilities.

Tafari married Menen Asfaw, a noblewoman who would become Empress when he took the throne. Their marriage lasted until her death in 1962, producing six children who would play roles in Ethiopian politics.

After Lij Iyasu was deposed for his alleged conversion to Islam, Tafari became Regent and heir apparent to Empress Zewditu. This position gave him effective control over Ethiopian government and modernization efforts.

Tafari successfully advocated for Ethiopia's membership in the League of Nations, making it one of the few African nations with international recognition. This diplomatic victory raised Ethiopia's profile on the world stage.

Tafari was elevated to the title of Negus while Empress Zewditu remained on the throne. This intermediate step toward full imperial power demonstrated his growing political dominance in Ethiopian affairs.

Following Empress Zewditu's death, Tafari was crowned Emperor, taking the name Haile Selassie meaning 'Power of the Trinity.' The elaborate coronation was attended by royalty and dignitaries from around the world.

Haile Selassie introduced Ethiopia's first modern constitution, establishing a parliament and beginning the process of political modernization. Though power remained concentrated in his hands, it marked a step toward constitutional governance.

Fascist Italy under Mussolini launched a brutal invasion of Ethiopia, using poison gas and aerial bombardment against Ethiopian forces. Despite fierce resistance, the technologically outmatched Ethiopian army could not prevent the conquest.

In a historic speech, Haile Selassie warned the League of Nations about the consequences of failing to stop aggression, prophetically stating 'It is us today. It will be you tomorrow.' His plea for collective security went largely unheeded.

With British assistance, Ethiopian patriots drove out the Italian occupiers. Haile Selassie returned to his capital exactly five years after fleeing, marking the restoration of Ethiopian independence and his imperial authority.

The Emperor introduced a revised constitution that expanded the parliament and provided for limited political reforms. However, real power remained firmly in imperial hands, limiting the pace of democratic development.

While abroad on a state visit, members of the Imperial Guard attempted to seize power. The coup was suppressed, but it revealed growing discontent with the pace of modernization and the concentration of power.

Haile Selassie hosted the founding conference of the Organization of African Unity, establishing Addis Ababa as headquarters. This cemented his role as a leading figure in Pan-African politics and decolonization movements.

A devastating drought began affecting northern Ethiopia, eventually killing hundreds of thousands. The government's inadequate response and attempts to hide the famine would contribute to growing opposition to imperial rule.

After months of protests, strikes, and military mutinies, the Derg military committee deposed the Emperor. He was held under house arrest as Ethiopia transitioned to a Marxist military government that would rule for seventeen years.

Haile Selassie died while in custody of the Derg regime. Official claims of natural death were disputed, with many believing he was murdered. He was buried secretly, and his remains were only given a proper burial in 2000.