19th century – 20th century
Ethiopia
Haile Selassie was the Ethiopian emperor restored to Addis Ababa in May 1941 after British forces defeated Italian forces in the Horn of Africa. His return marked a significant wartime reversal of Italian occupation, although Britain retained certain controls over his government, especially in the Ogaden region.
Continue exploring
The Story
Haile Selassie’s return followed the British campaign against Italian East Africa. British forces retook Kassala in January 1941, advanced into Italian territory, and captured Addis Ababa in early April. The military collapse of Italian control opened the way for the emperor’s restoration.
On 5 May 1941, Haile Selassie returned to Addis Ababa, exactly five years after the city had been occupied by the Italians. The event is presented as an early act in the dismantling of European empires, although it did not represent unrestricted Ethiopian sovereignty over every aspect of government.
Britain insisted on retaining certain controls over Haile Selassie’s government, particularly in the Ogaden region. His restoration thus combined the expulsion of Italian forces with continuing British influence. The episode also depended on African military participation, including soldiers from both East and West Africa.
19th century – 20th century
Ethiopia
Haile Selassie was the Ethiopian emperor restored to Addis Ababa in May 1941 after British forces defeated Italian forces in the Horn of Africa. His return marked a significant wartime reversal of Italian occupation, although Britain retained certain controls over his government, especially in the Ogaden region.
Continue exploring
The Story
Haile Selassie’s return followed the British campaign against Italian East Africa. British forces retook Kassala in January 1941, advanced into Italian territory, and captured Addis Ababa in early April. The military collapse of Italian control opened the way for the emperor’s restoration.
On 5 May 1941, Haile Selassie returned to Addis Ababa, exactly five years after the city had been occupied by the Italians. The event is presented as an early act in the dismantling of European empires, although it did not represent unrestricted Ethiopian sovereignty over every aspect of government.
Britain insisted on retaining certain controls over Haile Selassie’s government, particularly in the Ogaden region. His restoration thus combined the expulsion of Italian forces with continuing British influence. The episode also depended on African military participation, including soldiers from both East and West Africa.