The Brezhnev Era, 1972-1985: Developments in Africa and the Americas - the Impact of Cuban Intervention in Ethiopia Flashcards
Outline the main events of Ethiopia’s development of Cold War tensions
• After WWII
- British give traditionally Somali territory of Ogaden to Ethiopia
•1974
• Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie is overthrown by Colonel
Mengistu Haile Mariam
• Marxist-Leninist dictatorship is established
• July 1977
• Somalia invades Ogaden
• Colonel Mengistu Mariam asks USSR and Cuba for aid
• November 1977
• Castro sends troops to aid Ethiopia
• Brezhnev congratulates Castro
• By February 1978
- 15,000 Cuban troops in Ethiopia
• March 1978
- Somali troops retreat and truce is announced
How did the British contribute to tensions in
Ethiopia?
• After WWII, British give the traditionally Somali territory of Ogaden to Ethiopia
Which leader is overthrown in Ethiopia? When did this happen and what does it result in?
• 1974
• Emperor Haile Selassie was overthrown by Colonel Mengistu
Haile Mariam
• Results in establishment of Marxist-Leninist dictatorship
How does Somalia respond to Ethiopia gaining Ogaden? How does
Ethiopia react?
• July 1977
• Somalia invades Ogaden
• Colonel Mengistu Mariam asks USSR and Cuba for aid
What aid did Castro send to Ethiopia?
• November 1977
- Castro sends troops
• By February 1978
- 15,000 Cuban troops in Ethiopia
When and how does the conflict between
Ethiopia and Somalia end?
• March 1978 - conflict ends
- Somali troops retreat and truce is announced
How did the USSR respond to Cuban aid to
Ethiopia?
• Brezhnev congratulates Castro
How does the US react to Cuban and Soviet intervention in
Ethiopia? How does this affect Cold War relations?
• US accused Moscow of using Cuba to extend its own power in
Africa
• Damaged détente with USSR and Cuba
• Damaged developing rapprochement between the US and
Cuba
