MAKONNEN, RAS TAFARI ), king of Abyssinia, "King of the Kings of Ethiopia, Lion of Judah, the Elect of God," born July 17, 1891, was great-grandson of Haile Melekot, King of Shoa, and son of a distinguished soldier and diplomat. He was educated by the French mission at Harrar. In 1912 he married Waizero Manin, granddaughter of Ras Michael, his eldest son being born July 27, 1916. When on Sept. 27, 1916, the dissolute Lej Yasu was dethroned and his aunt, Zauditu, proclaimed empress, Tafari, her cousin, was appointed regent, heir to the throne, and Ras (prince) of Rases. Ras Mi chael, Yasu's father, was defeated on Oct. 27. Yasu rallied his father's army, but it surrendered at Magdala in Dec. 1917. Yasu was incarcerated in 1921. An indefatigable worker, widely read, possessing personality, ability and enthusiasm for reform, Tafari gradually increased his power. In order to gain authority inde
pendently of the Empress Zauditu, Ras had himself proclaimed King, Nov., 1928. After Zauditu's death he formally mounted the throne on Nov. 2, 193o as Emperor Haile Selassie I. He continued his work of modernization, secured the admission of Abyssinia to the League of Nations in 1923, and made a dramatic tour of Euro pean capitals in 1924. Difficulties with England over control of the Nile waters were soon overshadowed by disputes with Italy. In spite of the arbitration agreement of 1928 and the action of the League of Nations, hostilities broke out late in 1935 with Italy, ending in the flight of the Emperor from Addis Ababa, May 1, 1936, occupation of the capital by the Italians, May 5, and the proclaim ing of King Victor Emmanuel as Emperor of Abyssinia. (J. Sw.)