A History of Mota Town: 1941-1991

Abstract

This thesis is, intended to reconstruct “A History of Moţa Town from 1941-1991”. To achieve the desired research some methods were implemented. Primary and secondary sources were used with the technique of cross-checking one source with another. Besides official documents, archival sources, oral informants and several literatures were properly utilized. Most data were interpreted qualitatively due to the nature of the issue. The town of Mota has long history of establishment. So its history needs more investigation. There are some produced literatures about Mota but these preceeding literatures were unable to touch several historical facts about Mota town. As a result this study tries to mention and give a detailed account about foundation and naming of Mota and historical sites and their roles in the age-long process of urban growth of Moţa. The thesis also tried to illustrate the overall aspects of Moţa town during the Haile Selassie regime. Italians attempt to control Mota, the making of Mota town as their camp, resistance of patriots, Italian legacies, opposition of peasants against measures and policies of the incipient government of Haile Selassie are clearly touched. The thesis also justifies the measures and policies of the Derg regime that were implemented with out the consenses of the masses. These measures and policies however, made the Derg government unpopular. Finally, the thesis attempted to show the socio-cultural and infrastructural growth of Mota including Education, health, waer service, roads, telecommunication, and establishment of hotels of town from 1941 up to1991