ABSTRACT
As a geopolitical concept Eritrea is barely a century old, "an artificial creation of European imperialism," like so many other African territories. Historically Eritrea is a classic crossroads region. To Ethiopian rulers Eritrea was simply the northern part of their age-old inheritance and important, inter alia, because it provided access to the sea. Eritrea was given a framework for representative government, including a popularly elected assembly in which several political parties held seats. There were labor unions, a lively press, and independent institutions and associations of many kinds. Ethiopia needed Eritrea's industry and the produce of its agriculture. Italian entrepreneurs were encouraged to stay or return and invest. A small number of Eritreans strongly opposed to federation with Ethiopia fled abroad during the 1950s. When Nasser took power in Egypt and sought influence throughout Africa and the Middle East, some found welcome in Cairo.
