Explanation
This unit explains how modern Ethiopia was formed between 1855 and 1906. It focuses on trade, political unification, territorial expansion, and resistance to colonial powers.
Objectives
After studying this unit, you will be able to:
- identify the main features of the long-distance trade in the Ethiopian region;
- analyze the interaction among the peoples and states of the Ethiopian region connected with the long-distance trade;
- explain the attempts made at the restoration of the power of the central government after the political instability of the Zemene Mesafint;
- explain the different internal and external challenges to the central government during the reign of Emperors Tewodros II and Yohannis IV;
- explain the social, economic, and political factors behind the territorial expansion of Menelik II and the methods he followed to incorporate the various peoples, nations, and nationalities;
- examine the consequences of the incorporation of the different nations, nationalities, and peoples in the Ethiopian region;
- explain the nature of colonial interest and aggression in Ethiopia in the the last quarter of the 19th century.
Explanation
The objectives of this unit are to help students understand how trade, politics, military power, and foreign influence contributed to the formation of modern Ethiopia.
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2.1. The Ethiopian Long-Distance Trade in the 19th Century
Key Concepts
- Nagadras
- Safarre
- Envoys
- Autonomy
- Inland outlets
- Barter
- Jelaba
- Sedentary life
- Caravan trade
- Jabarti
- Custom posts
- Luxury
- Trade routes
Explanation
These key concepts are related to trade, merchants, trade routes, taxation, and the social and economic systems that supported long-distance trade in Ethiopia.
Questions
- What do you suggest about the reasons for trading among peoples?
- Is it possible for people to live without trade interaction? Discuss.
- At what stage of human history did trade relations start?
Explanation
People trade to obtain goods and services that they cannot produce themselves. Trade began when human societies became settled and started producing surplus goods.
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The Nature of Long-Distance Trade
Trade, as a human activity, has a long history. It was mainly the outcome of sedentary life, surplus production, and social division of labour. Basically, the exchange of goods involves peoples of either the same or different regions.
Explanation
Trade developed after people adopted settled lifestyles, produced more goods than they needed, and specialized in different types of work.
Based on its geographical coverage and the peoples and regions involved, trade can be divided into local trade and long-distance trade. The former refers to the local exchange of goods mainly among peoples of the same region. This kind of trade was conducted at markets usually held weekly on fixed days. The days for such markets varied from one district to another in order to help people attend different markets.
Explanation
Local trade took place within nearby communities, while long-distance trade connected different regions and peoples. Weekly markets played an important role in local economic activities.
On the other hand, long-distance trade involved different markets, peoples, regions, and a variety of trading items. It was mainly conducted by caravan merchants who traveled far and wide distances and traded in both import and export items. Long-distance trade was conducted by local and foreign merchants.
Explanation
Long-distance trade was carried out by merchants who traveled across large areas using caravans. This trade helped connect different regions economically and culturally.
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ACTIVITIES 2.1
1. Identify the role of long-distance trade in a society.
2. What were the factors for the revival of long-distance trade in Ethiopia during the 19th century?
Explanation
Long-distance trade promoted economic growth, cultural exchange, political relations, and the movement of goods between different regions.
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There was a revival of long-distance trade in 19th-century Ethiopia. This was due to different factors. First, the rising power of the ruler of Egypt, Mohammad Ali, in the 1830s resulted in the political stability of the region. This, in turn, contributed to the revival of trade in the Red Sea basin and Arabia.
Explanation
Political stability created a favorable environment for trade and encouraged merchants to expand their commercial activities.
Secondly, the conquest of the Caucasus by Russia had closed the supply of some goods of high demand and concubines to the Ottoman Turks. This resulted in an increased demand for Ethiopian slaves and luxury goods such as civet, gold, and ivory.
Explanation
As supplies from other regions decreased, the demand for products exported from Ethiopia increased significantly.
Thirdly, in the 19th century, European interest in Ethiopia was revived. This was after about two centuries of Ethiopia's lack of interest in diplomatic relations with Europe.
Explanation
European countries became interested in Ethiopia because of trade opportunities, political influence, and colonial competition.
European envoys visited the courts of different Ethiopian rulers and signed treaties of commerce and friendship.
Explanation
These treaties strengthened commercial and diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and European countries.
Different European nations established their control over ports along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Explanation
Control of these ports gave European powers greater influence over regional trade and transportation routes.
The rise of Oromo monarchical states in the Gibe region was partly the result of the revival of long-distance trade during the 19th century.
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There was a revival of long-distance trade in 19th-century Ethiopia. This was due to different factors. First, the rising power of the ruler of Egypt, Mohammad Ali, in the 1830s resulted in the political stability of the region. This, in turn, contributed to the revival of trade in the Red Sea basin and Arabia.
Explanation
Political stability created a favorable environment for trade and encouraged merchants to expand their commercial activities.
Secondly, the conquest of the Caucasus by Russia had closed the supply of some goods of high demand and concubines to the Ottoman Turks. This resulted in an increased demand for Ethiopian slaves and luxury goods such as civet, gold, and ivory.
Explanation
As supplies from other regions decreased, the demand for products exported from Ethiopia increased significantly.
Thirdly, in the 19th century, European interest in Ethiopia was revived. This was after about two centuries of Ethiopia's lack of interest in diplomatic relations with Europe.
Explanation
European countries became interested in Ethiopia because of trade opportunities, political influence, and colonial competition.
European envoys visited the courts of different Ethiopian rulers and signed treaties of commerce and friendship.
Explanation
These treaties strengthened commercial and diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and European countries.
Different European nations established their control over ports along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Explanation
Control of these ports gave European powers greater influence over regional trade and transportation routes.
The rise of Oromo monarchical states in the Gibe region was partly the result of the revival of long-distance trade during the 19th century.
Explanation
The Gibe kingdoms benefited from trade by gaining wealth, strengthening political authority, and providing security and support to merchants.