During the Imperial rule, Amhara enjoyed greater influence, from imposing Amharic language and culture to dominating Ethiopian politics.
However, the constitution failed to solve long term protracted conflicts in the country and further heightened tension among ethnic groups.
In 1967, the government imprisoned leaders of Mecha and Tulama Self-Help Association, an Oromo nationalist groups that also advocated for Ethiopian nationalism at that time.
[6][7] The Amhara also exerted influence during the Derg era, advocating an "indivisible" Greater Ethiopian empire, despite being opposed by Eritrean nationalist and the ongoing civil war.
The Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party (EPRP), an Amhara-led organization composed about 3,000 to 5,000 fighters opposed the Tigrayan led EPRDF coalition.