The Timeline of Somalia

First 5: Who are the invisible children? Objectives: To establish an understanding

of the History of Somalia and the events related to Black Hawk Down

The Sultanate of Adel (600s)

During the 600s, Arab tribes explored Somalia and established the Sultanate of Adel on the Aden Coast. The settlement of the tribes brought Islam into the Adel region. This was significant because the majority of Somalians today are Sunni Muslim.

Young Somalian Muslims in the 1930's

Britain takes control of Somalia (1882) In 1882, Britain started to take interest in the Gulf

of Aden because they wanted to safeguard the route to India which ran through the Suez Canal. However, it was not until 1887, that Britain declared it as a protectorate of the British empire. They were the first European power in the region and called it British Somaliland.

A Map of the Horn of Africa

Britain abandons and the Italians takeover (1936) Throughout Britain's colonial rule, Britain had

trouble controlling rebel uprisings. In 1920, the rebels were finally quelled. However, Britain started losing some of their territory to the Italians. And in 1936, Italy merged Italian Somaliland, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. They colonized and called it Italian East Africa.

The green regions represents Italian East Africa

Somalia's road to Independence (1960) During World War II, the Italians successfully

invaded British Somaliland in 1940. However, the British recovered their protectorate a year later. After the World War, Italy had to renounce their territorial possessions but a UN deal was struck which allowed an Italian administration to govern the country in November 1949. Finally, on July 1, 1960, the UN Trusteeship Council merged the British and Italian parts and granted independence. The Flag of Somalia

Somalia's First President is elected (1960)

Immediately after gaining independence, Aden Abdullah Osman Daar was elected President. In

1963, Somalia severed diplomatic ties with Britain and had hostile border disputes with Ethiopia. Then in 1967, Abdirashid Ali Shermake beats Abdullah Osman Daar in the elections and becomes the 2nd

president. But on October 15, 1969, Shermake was assassinated. Shermake's death triggered a military coup led by Major General Mohammed Siad Barre.

Somalia's 2nd President: Abdirashid Ali Shermarke

Somalia's 1st President: Aden Abdullah Osman Daar

Somalia's 3rd President: Mohamed Siad Barre

Somalia Turns Socialist (1970)

In 1970, Siad Barre took over the government through a military coup. He was immediately declared president bythe Supreme Revolutionary Council (SRC). Barre then declared the country a socialist state and nationalized all of the country's industries. Political parties were banned, the national council was abolished and the constituition was suspended.

A Picture of Siad Barre in Socialist Somalia.

Somalia invades Ogaden Region (1977)

In 1977, Somalia invaded the Ogaden region of Ethiopia. They were intially victorious. However, in 1978, with the aid of the USSR and Cuba, the Ethiopians reclaimed the region after Somali troops suffered heavy losses. Barre immediately banished the Soviet advisors and gained the support of the United States. The conflict also caused many refugees to flock into Somalia.

The Ogaden Region

Somalia enters into Civil War (1981) In 1981, Barre's opposition began to rise. This

was because Barre had picked members of his Marehan clan for government positions and had excluded the other clans. Civil unrest started growing and rebels started clashing with government troops. By 1989, the government had lost control of many parts of Somalia except Mogadishu, Hargeysa and Berbera.

A picture of a Somalian soldier attempting to quell the revolution.

Barre is ousted (1990)

By 1989, Barre had started to lose control of the country. By 1990, the insurgent groups had formed a united front against Barre. Finally, in 1991, Barre was forced to leave the capital of Mogadishu and he was granted asylum in Lagos, Nigeria. He eventually died in Lagos in 1995.

Somalian rebels finally immerge victorious.

Somalia attempts to establish transitional government (1991)

After Barre was ousted, the United States and many international agencies flooded Somalia with humanitarian aid and supplies. In 1992, a contigent of UN peacekeeping troops made up of US Marines arrive near Mogadishu. Although Somalia received lots of aid, the country was experiencing a power struggle between warlords. During this time, about 50,000 people were killed and 300,000 died of starvation.

Young Somalians greeting peackeeping forces.

Somaliland Declares independence (1991)

In addition to the power struggles experienced in Somalia, former British Somaliland declares its independence in 1991. Although it has its own currency, legislature and constitution, Somaliland is not recognized as a republic by the United Nations. Somaliland also struggles with civil unrest and economic stagnation and Southern Somaliland warlords have attempted to overtake the region.

A modern day map of Somalia and Somaliland

Black Hawk Down (1993)

In 1993, US Army Rangers were killed after 2 Blackhawk helicopters were shotdown. The Battle of Mogadishu ensued. A rescue attempt had been planned however, it failed. After the Battle, the United States immediately withdrew from Somalia after 18 Rangers died. The battle also caused many civilian casualties and made the United Nations to retreat.

Black Hawk Black Hawk DownDown

SynopsisSynopsis

The movie Black Hawk Down is about when the warlord Mohammed Farrah Aidid began to starve people to gain power in the early 90s. In total Aidid starved over 300,000 Somalis to death by seizing food shipments sent in by the red cross and other aid organizations. After this the U.S sent in Army Rangers to capture Mohammed Farrah Aidid and his officials. The mission required black hawk helicopters as transport to Aidid’s stronghold, in the middle of Mogadishu, Somalia. While the soldiers were unloading from the helicopters 2 Black Hawk helicopters were shot down by Rocket propelled grenades (RPG). In an attempt to rescue the crash victims propelled grenades (RPG). In an attempt to rescue the crash victims and capture Aidid the Rangers become overwhelmed by the Somali and capture Aidid the Rangers become overwhelmed by the Somali Militia. After taking 20 prisoners and taking two days, 18 U.S soldiers Militia. After taking 20 prisoners and taking two days, 18 U.S soldiers are killed and nearly 1,000 Somalis are killed. Two of the soldiers are killed and nearly 1,000 Somalis are killed. Two of the soldiers were violently dragged through the streets of Mogadishu. One were violently dragged through the streets of Mogadishu. One helicopter pilot is kidnapped and returned 11 days later. President helicopter pilot is kidnapped and returned 11 days later. President Clinton called the Mission a failureClinton called the Mission a failure..

Research SynopsisResearch Synopsis On October 3On October 3rdrd 1993 Army Rangers are sent into the Bakarra 1993 Army Rangers are sent into the Bakarra

market district of Mogadishu, Somalia to capture Mohammed market district of Mogadishu, Somalia to capture Mohammed Farah Aidid. The reason for wanting to capture the Warlord is Farah Aidid. The reason for wanting to capture the Warlord is because in order to gain power he was starving the people of because in order to gain power he was starving the people of Somalia who destroyed there food supply in a previous civil Somalia who destroyed there food supply in a previous civil war. The U.N and Red cross send food and medical supplies war. The U.N and Red cross send food and medical supplies by the ton to Somalia but Aidid and his militia seize all of it at by the ton to Somalia but Aidid and his militia seize all of it at the ports so it doesn’t get to the people. This causes the the ports so it doesn’t get to the people. This causes the death of over 300,000 Somalis while millions more are death of over 300,000 Somalis while millions more are starving. This angers the world and the U.S sends Army starving. This angers the world and the U.S sends Army rangers to capture Aidid and his men. The rangers capture rangers to capture Aidid and his men. The rangers capture 20 of Aidid's men but lose two Black Hawk helicopters to RPG 20 of Aidid's men but lose two Black Hawk helicopters to RPG attacks. After several failed rescue attempts the soldiers attacks. After several failed rescue attempts the soldiers become overwhelmed by Aidids Militia. In the end 18 become overwhelmed by Aidids Militia. In the end 18 American are dead with one taken hostage. Over 1,000 American are dead with one taken hostage. Over 1,000 Somalis die with over 743 inured. The hostage Mike Durant is Somalis die with over 743 inured. The hostage Mike Durant is treated well in captivity and released 11 days later. treated well in captivity and released 11 days later.

How It was historically How It was historically accurateaccurate

In the beginningIn the beginning Each event was almost exactly

detailed like in real life. In the beginning of the movie in the first scene when The Rangers are dropped in Mogadishu was put together almost perfectly from when the soldier fell from the helicopter to when the first Black Hawk Helicopter was shot down by an RPG.

Is Black Hawk Down Historically Is Black Hawk Down Historically AccurateAccurate? Is Black Hawk down

historically accurate? Yes Black Hawk down is historically accurate. Only very minor details were changed or left out. The exact locations and areas were correct such as there target building and other landmarks near it. You can see the alleyway near the building in this picture. The weapons and visual representation of the Somali Militia were accurate as well as the graphic injuries and wounds of the soldiers.

The Battle of The Battle of MogadishuMogadishu

The most important details that were The most important details that were covered correctly were the actions covered correctly were the actions of the soldiers. When they were of the soldiers. When they were finally rescued was a very crucial finally rescued was a very crucial part of the movie. The way the U.N part of the movie. The way the U.N was portrayed was accurate was portrayed was accurate because they did not stay to help because they did not stay to help the soldiers run from the crazed, the soldiers run from the crazed, enraged Somali militia. Another enraged Somali militia. Another way that the movie was accurate is way that the movie was accurate is when they finally escape the when they finally escape the hostile area and meat crowds of hostile area and meat crowds of cheering Somalis in the streets. It cheering Somalis in the streets. It was the only positive outcome of was the only positive outcome of the whole situation. the whole situation.

A picture of the Black Hawk Crew a month before the

Battle of Mogadishu

A US Army Blackhawk flying over Mogadishu

Somalia's 2nd Attempt at establishing a government (2000)

In 2000, a conference was held in Djibouti to help establish a new Somalian central government. The conference was attended by warlords, politicians and clan leaders. After the conference, Abdulkassim Salat Hassan was elected president and Ali Khalif Gelayadh was elected Prime Minister. However the government failed to extend its control beyond Mogadishu.

Former Prime Minister of Somalia: Ali Khalif

Galaydh

rmer President of Somalia: Abdulkassim Salat Hassan

Somalia tries again again to form a National Government (2004)

After the failures of the previous government, a mandate was passed that gave power to a new centralized Federal government. Abdullahi Yussuf, who was backed by the Ethiopians, was elected the new president. Then in the December 2004, the tsunami hit the coast of Somalia and killed thousands of Somalians. There have been many attempts to establish a government but they have been proved to be ineffective.

The Effects of the Tsunami in Somalia

A picture parodying the lawlessness that haave

plagued Somalia

Piracy in Somalia (2008)

After numerous attempts at setting up a government, Somalia is left at the state of anarchy. A combination of power struggles, famine, violence and civil unrest have left Somalia in a crippled state. In 2008, pirate activity runs rampant in the Gulf of Aden. Many shipping ships were hijacked and held for ransom. Overfishing off the coast of Somalia is one of the reasons piracy has been on the rise.

Somali Pirates in action

Works Cited

“Somalia Timeline.” Telegraph News. 30 Dec. 2006. 3 Feb. 2009 <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/ news/ worldnews/ 1538113/ Somalia-time-line.html>.

“Timeline :Somalia.” Al Jazeera English. 31 Jan. 2009. 3 Feb. 2009 <http://english.aljazeera.net/ news/ africa/ 2009/ 01/ 2009126212443542421.html>.

“Timeline: Somalia.” BBC World News. 2 Feb. 2009. 3 Feb. 2009 <http://news.bbc.co.uk/ 2/ hi/ africa/ 1072611.stm>.

"Somalia," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2008

<http://encarta.msn.com> © 1997-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Black Hawk Black Hawk DownDown

Final 5: Top 2 Choices for research

SynopsisSynopsis

The movie Black Hawk Down is about when the warlord Mohammed Farrah Aidid began to starve people to gain power in the early 90s. In total Aidid starved over 300,000 Somalis to death by seizing food shipments sent in by the red cross and other aid organizations. After this the U.S sent in Army Rangers to capture Mohammed Farrah Aidid and his officials. The mission required black hawk helicopters as transport to Aidid’s stronghold, in the middle of Mogadishu, Somalia. While the soldiers were unloading from the helicopters 2 Black Hawk helicopters were shot down by Rocket propelled grenades (RPG). In an attempt to rescue the crash victims propelled grenades (RPG). In an attempt to rescue the crash victims and capture Aidid the Rangers become overwhelmed by the Somali and capture Aidid the Rangers become overwhelmed by the Somali Militia. After taking 20 prisoners and taking two days, 18 U.S soldiers Militia. After taking 20 prisoners and taking two days, 18 U.S soldiers are killed and nearly 1,000 Somalis are killed. Two of the soldiers are killed and nearly 1,000 Somalis are killed. Two of the soldiers were violently dragged through the streets of Mogadishu. One were violently dragged through the streets of Mogadishu. One helicopter pilot is kidnapped and returned 11 days later. President helicopter pilot is kidnapped and returned 11 days later. President Clinton called the Mission a failureClinton called the Mission a failure..

Research SynopsisResearch Synopsis On October 3On October 3rdrd 1993 Army Rangers are sent into the Bakarra 1993 Army Rangers are sent into the Bakarra

market district of Mogadishu, Somalia to capture Mohammed market district of Mogadishu, Somalia to capture Mohammed Farah Aidid. The reason for wanting to capture the Warlord is Farah Aidid. The reason for wanting to capture the Warlord is because in order to gain power he was starving the people of because in order to gain power he was starving the people of Somalia who destroyed there food supply in a previous civil Somalia who destroyed there food supply in a previous civil war. The U.N and Red cross send food and medical supplies war. The U.N and Red cross send food and medical supplies by the ton to Somalia but Aidid and his militia seize all of it at by the ton to Somalia but Aidid and his militia seize all of it at the ports so it doesn’t get to the people. This causes the the ports so it doesn’t get to the people. This causes the death of over 300,000 Somalis while millions more are death of over 300,000 Somalis while millions more are starving. This angers the world and the U.S sends Army starving. This angers the world and the U.S sends Army rangers to capture Aidid and his men. The rangers capture rangers to capture Aidid and his men. The rangers capture 20 of Aidid's men but lose two Black Hawk helicopters to RPG 20 of Aidid's men but lose two Black Hawk helicopters to RPG attacks. After several failed rescue attempts the soldiers attacks. After several failed rescue attempts the soldiers become overwhelmed by Aidids Militia. In the end 18 become overwhelmed by Aidids Militia. In the end 18 American are dead with one taken hostage. Over 1,000 American are dead with one taken hostage. Over 1,000 Somalis dye with over 743 inured. The hostage Mike Durant is Somalis dye with over 743 inured. The hostage Mike Durant is treated well in captivity and released 11 days later. treated well in captivity and released 11 days later.

How It was historically How It was historically accurateaccurate

In the beginningIn the beginning Each event was almost exactly

detailed like in real life. In the beginning of the movie in the first scene when The Rangers are dropped in Mogadishu was put together almost perfectly from when the soldier fell from the helicopter to when the first Black Hawk Helicopter was shot down by an RPG.

Is Black Hawk Down Historically Is Black Hawk Down Historically AccurateAccurate? Is Black Hawk down

historically accurate? Yes Black Hawk down is historically accurate. Only very minor details were changed or left out. The exact locations and areas were correct such as there target building and other landmarks near it. You can see the alleyway near the building in this picture. The weapons and visual representation of the Somali Militia were accurate as well as the graphic injuries and wounds of the soldiers.

The Battle of The Battle of MogadishuMogadishu

The most important details that were The most important details that were covered correctly were the actions covered correctly were the actions of the soldiers. When they were of the soldiers. When they were finally rescued was a very crucial finally rescued was a very crucial part of the movie. The way the U.N part of the movie. The way the U.N was portrayed was accurate was portrayed was accurate because they did not stay to help because they did not stay to help the soldiers run from the crazed, the soldiers run from the crazed, enraged Somali militia. Another enraged Somali militia. Another way that the movie was accurate is way that the movie was accurate is when they finally escape the when they finally escape the hostile area and meat crowds of hostile area and meat crowds of cheering Somalis in the streets. It cheering Somalis in the streets. It was the only positive outcome of was the only positive outcome of the whole situation. the whole situation.

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION The film Black Hawk Down

is a very good film. There is a lot of action and that’s never boring. I learned a lot about the Battle of Mogadishu from watching this movie and doing research. I never knew that so many people starved to death because of Aidid. I thought this assignment was pretty chill.