The video covers the period from 1960 to 1974. In 1960, the Emperor survived a coup by the two brothers, Gen. Mengistu Neway and Germame Neway. In 1974, a popular uprising (later usurped by a military junta) toppled the monarchy, and Haile-Selassie was the last emperor of the country.
Though autocratic, Emperor Haile-Selassie had a hugely positive side as well. He truly sought to modernize feudal Ethiopia. He opened up several schools, built hospitals and roads. He also played a pioneering role in bringing Africa together, and hence Addis Ababa as the venue of the former African Organization Unity (OAU), which is today’s African Union (AU).
Listen to the voices of several great Ethiopians featured in the video.
