History of Ethiopia and the Horn

Flashcards to assist in studying key vocabulary and concepts related to the History of Ethiopia and the Horn.

History

The study of past events, particularly in human affairs.

Historiography

The study of the methods and principles through which history is written and understood.

Primary sources

Original materials from the time period being studied, such as diaries, letters, and official documents.

Secondary sources

Interpretations or analyses of primary sources, such as articles, books, and documentaries.

Periodization

The division of history into distinct periods for easier analysis.

Neolithic Revolution

A significant transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture and settlement.

Cultural syncretism

The blending of different cultural beliefs and practices.

Gadaa system

A traditional democratic system of governance among the Oromo people.

Solomonid Dynasty

A historical dynasty in Ethiopia that claims descent from King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.

Aksumite Empire

An ancient trading empire centered in what is now Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Fasiledes

Emperor of Ethiopia known for establishing Gondar as a capital and expelling Jesuit influence.

Adwa

The site of a decisive Ethiopian victory against Italy in 1896, securing Ethiopian sovereignty.

Gurage

A group of ethnic communities in Ethiopia known for their distinct cultural practices.

Adal Sultanate

A Muslim state that existed in the Horn of Africa, notable for its conflicts with Christian Ethiopia.

Ethiopian Orthodox Church

The major Christian denomination in Ethiopia, with a history of deep cultural significance.

Oromo Migration

A significant population movement that reshaped the demographic and cultural landscape of Ethiopia.

Ras

A title in Ethiopian nobility, equivalent to a general or leader.

Yejju Dynasty

A powerful dynasty in Ethiopia that dominated during the Zemene Mesafint (Era of Princes).

Civitas

A political unit formed by citizens, often associated with city-states.

Monasticism

A religious way of life characterized by the practice of renouncing worldly pursuits to fully devote oneself to spiritual work.

Rift Valley

A geographic feature in Ethiopia known as the cradle of human evolution.

Abba Gadaa

The leader of the Gadaa system among the Oromo, acting as both a political and spiritual figure.

Beti

A term used for communities or regions that were historically subjected to changes in authority and governance.

Diaspora

Scattered populations of people whose origin lies in a separate geographic locale.

Ethiopian Renaissance

A period characterized by a revival of Ethiopian art, culture, and literature during the Gondarine period.

Marxism-Leninism

A political theory that aims at achieving a classless society through the dictatorship of the proletariat, as adapted by the Derg.

Eritrean Liberation Front

A political-military organization that fought for the independence of Eritrea from Ethiopia.

Fifth column

A group of people who undermine a larger group from within, often in a time of war.

Industrialization

The development of industries in a country or region on a wide scale.

Populations movements

Movements of people from one place to another, often influenced by factors such as conflicts and environmental changes.

Religious syncretism

The combining of different beliefs and practices from multiple religions.

Agrarian reform

The redistribution of land and agrarian policies aimed at improving agricultural productivity.

Militia

A military force composed of ordinary citizens rather than professional soldiers.

Social class

A division of a society based on social and economic status.

Civic nationalism

Nationalism based on shared values, culture, and citizenship rather than ethnicity.

Transitional government

A temporary government established to lead a state during a period of political transition.

Autonomy

The right or condition of self-government, often in a limited form.

Anfal

A campaign by the Iraqi government against the Kurdish people that involved the use of chemical weapons.

Ethiopia Tikdem

The motto associated with the Derg, which means 'Ethiopia First'.

Amharic

The official language of Ethiopia, which is a Semitic language.

Land ownership

The legal right to possess land as a property.

Cascading leadership

A system of leadership that descends through generational lines.

Inferiorization

The act of making a group feel inferior or less important.

Peasantry

The social class of rural farmers or laborers.

Casserole events

Major historical events that lead to significant social or political changes.

Sector Review

A government reform program aimed at restructuring specific sectors.

Land Reform Committee

A committee established to oversee land reform policies in Ethiopia.

Political mobilization

The process of organizing a group for political action.

Ethno-linguistic identity

The identity attributed to a community that shares a common language and cultural heritage.

Secularism

The principle of separation of religion from political, social, and educational institutions.

Cultural hegemony

A form of social control where one culture dominates and influences other cultures.

Diaspora politics

The political activities and influence of people who live outside their country of origin.

Modernity

The social and cultural condition characterized by the development of industrial society.

Civic responsibility

The responsibilities of a citizen to participate in society and contribute to the community.

Imperialism

A policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.

Cultural continuity

The practice of maintaining cultural heritage and traditions over time.

Subsistence agriculture

Farming that provides enough food for the farmer and their family but not enough for sale.

Suburbanization

The process of population movement from urban areas to suburban areas.

Urban landscapes

The physical environment of a city, including its infrastructure and cultural elements.

Ethnic conflict

Conflicts arising from differences in ethnicity, often leading to violence.

Crisis of legitimacy

A situation where the governing authority is challenged due to lack of public support.

Transnationalism

The process by which people, organizations, and ideologies extend across national borders.

Emancipation

The process of being freed from legal, social, or political restrictions.

Opposition movements

Groups organized to resist or challenge the current power structure or government.

Independent judiciary

A system of courts that operates independently of the other branches of government.

Democratization

The transition to a more democratic political regime.

Systematic injustices

Persistent and entrenched forms of unfair treatment in society.

Historical revisionism

The re-examination of historical records with the intent to alter the accepted narrative.

Colonial legacy

The long-lasting impact of colonialism on the colonized region or country.

Human Rights

The rights one is entitled to simply by being human.

Social justice

The concept of fair and just relations between individuals and society.

Globalization

The process of interaction and integration among people, companies, and governments worldwide.

Community engagement

The practice of involving community members in decision-making processes.

Infrastructural development

The construction of basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society.

Grassroots movements

Political movements driven by the constituents of a community rather than by elites.

Resistance movements

Groups organized to resist and oppose an occupying force or authority.

Civic engagement

Individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern.

Patriotism

Love for or devotion to one's country.

Coercion

The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats.

Negotiation

Discussion aimed at reaching an agreement.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Social change

Transformation of culture and social institutions over time.

Cultural diversity

The existence of a variety of cultural or ethnic groups within a society.

Demographic shifts

Changes in the distribution and structure of populations over time.

Merchants

Individuals or companies involved in wholesale trade.

Agricultural practices

Methods of farming employed by farmers to cultivate crops.

Civic duty

The responsibilities of a citizen.

Nationalism

An ideology that emphasizes the interests of a particular nation.

Crisis of authority

A situation where those in power lose the ability to govern effectively.

Bureaucratic structure

A system of administration characterized by strict policies and procedures.

Peace negotiations

Discussions aimed at ending conflict and establishing peace.