Ethiopia 1942-1974: The Hailé Selassié Years
Hailé Selassié Years
This exhibit presents an overview of the stamps and rates that were used during the reign of Hailé Selassié after his restoration to the throne in 1942 through 1974, the year of his death.
Mint and used stamps for this time period are relatively easy to locate. Finding postally used covers for the various rate periods represents the greatest challenge for this time period. Prior to the take over by the Italians in the 1930s, the rates were relatively simple – generally a few rates for external and a few rates for internal postage along with additions for registration, advice of receipt etc. After the restoration, there were some 22-25 rates depending on continent and country plus registration, advice of receipt, printed matter etc. giving a potential for several hundred rates for each period.
Hailé Selassié was restored to the throne of Ethiopia on 5 May 1941. England made a grant of 3 million Pounds Sterling to help get the government re-established. The United States helped considerably by providing aid through it Lend-Lease program. The period between the 1940s-1950s was spend reestablishing the Selassié government and firmly solidifying his rule over Ethiopia. During the 1960s-1970, Hailé Selassié became a very important figure in pan-African and international politics and was considered by most countries to be the ”wise old man” of Africa. Despite his success on the world political stage, troubles began festering in Ethiopia. As the freedom movement and de-colonialization of Africa proceeded, Ethiopian were pressing for greater reforms. The Selassié government make token efforts at reform but never provided enough in the way of reforms to satisfy the populace. This discontent gave rise to a number of increasingly violent anti-Selassié factions. Eventually, the DERG (Provisional Socialist Government of Ethiopia) took over the local radio station and subsequently murdered the Emperor by suffocating him between two mattresses between 26 and 27 August 1974. His remains were placed in a cement coffin placed under the kitchen of the house where he lived.
Even though the Ministry of Posts, Telegraphs, and Telephone had the authority to determine and set postage rates, the Ministry did not officially publish any rates until 1961. Moreover, no written rates for the period of 1942-1961 have been found. Based on observation, the rates have been reconstructed and changed many times during this period, generally decreasing with each new rate period. The rate periods used herein begin on: 1946; March 1952; November 1958; June 1959; September 1961; September 1962; and July 1973. The rates between 1942-1946 appear to have depended on the particular carrier and destination and no consistent pattern has yet appeared.
Award: Gold
Show: Novapex 2005
Date: 5-6 March 2005
Place: Redding, CA
Palmares: Redding does not publish a Palmares
Award: Silver
Show: Ropex 2005
Date: 10-12 June 2005
Place: Webster, NY
Palmares: Ropex 2005 (Adobe PDF File)
Awards: Vermeil
Show: Sacapex 2005
Date: 5-6 November 2006
Place: Sacramento, CA
Palmares: Sacapex 2005 (Adobe PDF File)
Awards: Vermeil, AAPE
Show: Sunpex 2005
Date: 12-13 November 2005
Place: Sunnyvale, CA
Palmares: Sunnyvale 2005 (Adobe PDF File)
