Haile Selassie (1892 – 1975) Emperor of Ethiopia 1930 – 1974

 

Haile Selassie Biography

Haile Selassie was one of the most significant figures in Ethiopian and African history. Born Tafari Makonnen in 1892 in Ethiopia, he rose to become Emperor of Ethiopia and a powerful figure on the world stage. This documentary will explore the life of Haile Selassie, from his early years to his role as Emperor and his impact on Ethiopian and African history.

Early Years

The documentary begins by exploring Haile Selassie's early years. Tafari Makonnen was born into a noble family in Ethiopia, and he was educated by French missionaries. He showed a keen interest in politics and governance from a young age, and he was appointed as the governor of a province at the age of 14. Tafari Makonnen quickly gained a reputation for being a skilled and fair leader, and he was promoted to higher positions within the Ethiopian government.

Rise to Power

The documentary then focuses on Haile Selassie's rise to power. He became regent of Ethiopia in 1916, and in 1930 he was crowned Emperor. Haile Selassie was a visionary leader who sought to modernize Ethiopia and make it a powerful, respected nation on the world stage. He introduced a number of reforms, including the abolition of slavery, the establishment of a national bank, and the construction of roads and other infrastructure.

Italian Invasion

The documentary then explores the Italian invasion of Ethiopia in 1935. Haile Selassie's leadership during this difficult time was crucial to Ethiopia's survival. Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, Haile Selassie refused to surrender and continued to fight the Italian forces. His impassioned speech to the League of Nations in 1936 is considered a defining moment in his career, and it helped to raise awareness of the conflict and galvanize support for Ethiopia.

Legacy and Impact

The documentary concludes by exploring Haile Selassie's legacy and impact on Ethiopian and African history. He was a key figure in the Pan-African movement, and he played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Haile Selassie's commitment to African unity and independence inspired many leaders across the continent, and his legacy is still felt today.

In conclusion, Haile Selassie was a visionary leader who played a crucial role in Ethiopian and African history. His early years as a skilled and fair leader, his rise to power as Emperor, his leadership during the Italian invasion, and his impact on African unity and independence make him a significant figure in world history. This documentary serves as a tribute to the life and legacy of Haile Selassie, a man who will be remembered for generations to come.