Ethiopia on the Verge of Modernity: the Transfer of Power During Zewditu's Reign 1916-1930

The following book focuses on the Empress Zewditu, who reigned over Ethiopia when the later Hayle Sillase I still held the status of Heir to the Throne and performed a supporting role to the Empress in ruling over the country.



As a person, Zewditu, as well as the period of her reign (1916-1930), are intriguing for a number of reasons. It was during this time that changes were introduced in Ethiopia, decisive for its future fate and the important role it played on the international arena in the 20th century. It was also during this period that the methods of ruling over the country introduced by Minilik II, slowly yielded to the model implemented by the later Emperor Hayle Sillase I.



During the 14 years of Zewditu's reign, the structure of centralised power was strengthened, also methods were established of conducting internal politics and foreign politics implemented towards the colonial powers at that time bordering with Ethiopia: France, Italy and Great Britian.