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
Who seized power in Somalia after it gained independence? What did this lead to?
Mohammed Siad Barre in 1969
He declared Somalia to be a socialist republic
What did Barre sign with the USSR?
A Treaty of friendship and cooperation in 1974
What is Miriam’s relationship with the Soviets?
Has US military aid, but reaches out for support to Soviets to replace this, develop friendly relations
Barre resents this and reaches out to US for support, but they don’t support him
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
Why did the USA not get involved in Ethiopia and Somalia?
Wanted to test detente, to see if the Soviets would interfere - they did
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
- Contributed to Carter’s withdrawal from SALT II
