Haile Selassie was born on July 23, 1892, in Ethiopia, and was originally given the name Tafari Makonnen. He came from a noble background, with his father being Ras Makonnen Wolde Mikael, a general in the Ethiopian army, and his mother being Yeshimebet Ali Abba Jifar. Haile Selassie was given a strong education, which included learning Amharic, Ge'ez, and French. This early education helped shape his future as a leader.
Haile Selassie's first taste of power came when he was appointed Regent of Ethiopia in 1916 by Empress Zewditu. During this time, he worked to modernize Ethiopia and establish relationships with other countries. In 1928, Haile Selassie made a bold move by declaring himself King of Ethiopia, forcing Empress Zewditu to crown him. This marked the beginning of his reign as Emperor of Ethiopia.
As Emperor, Haile Selassie worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his people and bring Ethiopia into the modern era. He implemented reforms in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, bringing significant advancements to the country. One of his most notable achievements was facilitating Ethiopia's entrance into the United Nations, solidifying its place on the world stage.
During his time in power, Haile Selassie faced many challenges, including the invasion of Ethiopia by Italian forces under Benito Mussolini in 1936. Although he was forced into exile during this time, he never gave up on his vision for Ethiopia and eventually returned to power in 1941 after the defeat of the Italian forces.
Haile Selassie's legacy is a complex one. While he is revered by many as a visionary leader who brought Ethiopia into the modern era, he has also faced criticisms for his handling of rebellions and conflicts within the country. Despite being a devout Eastern Orthodox Christian, he inspired followers of the Rastafari movement, who saw him as a divine figure.
Haile Selassie married Menen Asfaw in 1911, and the couple had seven children together. Their marriage was a strong and enduring partnership, with Menen providing support to Haile Selassie in his leadership role. The couple's children went on to have their own notable roles in Ethiopian society.
Haile Selassie's later years were marked by political turmoil and unrest in Ethiopia. In 1974, he was deposed in a military coup, bringing an end to his reign as Emperor. He spent his final years in seclusion, passing away on August 27, 1975. Despite his troubled later years, Haile Selassie's impact on Ethiopia and the world as a whole continues to be felt to this day.
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