Previously a colony of Italy, the United Nations turns over Eritrea to Ethiopia

Eritrea was originally a colony established by the Italians in the 19th century around the ancient city of Asmara. After World War II multiple countries had their own interests in Eritrea. The Soviets wanted the territory to be returned to Italy because they were anticipating a communist victory in the Italian polls, the Arab world wanted the creation of a separate state because of the large Muslim population, while Britain wanted to divide the area along religious lines between Sudan and Ethiopia.

On this day September 15th, in 1952, previously a colony of Italy, the United Nations turns over Eritrea to Ethiopia to be linked through a loose federal structure. Eritrea was expected to have it’s own administrative and judicial structure in addition to it’s own flag, taxation system, and defense system.

Ethiopian leader, Haile Selassie attempted to undercut Eritrea’s independent status and forced them to abolish their Federation and join the Imperial Ethiopian Fold. Once this was established military forces in Eritrea began militant opposition leading to the Eritrean War of Independence.