Haile Selassie

Haile Selassie (1891–1975), reigning name of Ras Tafari, emperor of Ethiopia (1930–74). He led Ethiopia's resistance to the Italian Fascist invasion of the country in 1935–36 and lived in exile until British forces restored him to his throne in 1941. His autocratic rule provoked opposition in later years, and he was deposed by his army in 1974 in the midst of a nationwide famine. He died in captivity.

See also: Ethiopia.