Alexander I of Russia vs Haile Selassie I

Alexander I ascended the throne after the assassination of his father, Paul I. He was aware of the conspiracy but did not prevent it. His accession was greeted with relief by the nobility, who hoped for a return to the liberal policies of Catherine the Great.

Alexander I led Russia during Napoleon's invasion. The Russian army retreated, employing scorched-earth tactics, and then defeated the French at the Battle of Borodino. Napoleon's Grand Army was destroyed during the winter retreat from Moscow. This victory made Alexander a key figure in European politics.

Alexander I played a leading role at the Congress of Vienna, which redrew the map of Europe after Napoleon's defeat. He advocated for the creation of the Holy Alliance and secured Russian control over Poland as a constitutional kingdom. The congress established a balance of power that lasted for decades.

Alexander I initiated the Holy Alliance with Austria and Prussia, a pact based on Christian principles to maintain peace and suppress revolutions. The alliance became a tool for reactionary policies across Europe, intervening in uprisings in Italy and Spain. It reflected Alexander's growing mysticism and conservatism.

Alexander I granted a liberal constitution to the Kingdom of Poland, which he created as a personal union with Russia. The constitution established a parliament, civil liberties, and a separate army. However, Alexander later violated its provisions, leading to Polish discontent and eventual uprisings.

Alexander I died suddenly in Taganrog under unclear circumstances, leading to rumors that he had faked his death to become a hermit. The legend of Feodor Kuzmich, a holy man who appeared in Siberia and was believed to be Alexander, persisted for decades. His death triggered the Decembrist Revolt.

Haile Selassie was crowned Emperor of Ethiopia after the death of Empress Zewditu. His coronation was a lavish ceremony attended by foreign dignitaries, symbolizing Ethiopia's independence and modernization efforts.

Following his coronation, the Rastafari movement in Jamaica began to venerate Haile Selassie as the messiah and a divine figure. This belief, based on interpretations of biblical prophecy, made him a central religious icon for millions worldwide.

After Italy invaded Ethiopia, Haile Selassie delivered a powerful speech to the League of Nations in Geneva, warning that 'today it is us, tomorrow it will be you.' The League failed to act, and Ethiopia was occupied by Italy.

With British military assistance, Haile Selassie returned to Ethiopia after five years of Italian occupation. He was restored to the throne and began the process of rebuilding the country and modernizing its institutions.

Haile Selassie hosted the conference that established the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in Addis Ababa. He played a key role in promoting pan-Africanism and decolonization, making Ethiopia a hub for African diplomacy.

After months of protests and a military mutiny, Haile Selassie was deposed by the Derg, a Marxist military junta. He was placed under house arrest and died the following year under mysterious circumstances, ending the Solomonic dynasty's rule.