This is a comprehensive study of key Oromo actors in the central Ethiopia traditional provinces of Wallo and Shawa, specifically the Mammadoch of Wallo and the Tulama of Shawa during the reigns of Emperors Tewodros II (r.1855-68), Yohannes IV (1872-1888) and Menilek II (1889-1913). The Oromo entered the political arena in the highlands of Ethiopia in the aftermath of Ahmed Gran's 16 th century invasion, and this work aims to trace not only their roles in the creation of Ethiopia, but also the significant shifts in ethnic identity due to many local and national cultural practices used to endear ethnic groups to each other during the reigns of the aforementioned Emperors. Dominant scholarship generally ignores these Oromo actors and focus on the relationship between the Church and State or on Oromo state construction. I argue that after being cast as "Habasha," elite Oromo actors, such as Ras Gobana (192?-1888). Fit. Habta Giyorgis (184?-1926) and "Ras" Mikael (later "Negus" r. 1914-1916) played key roles in the state and brought it into the modern age during the reign of Menilek, and after when they put one of their own, Iyasu Mikael, on the throne through an alliance of the Shawan and Wallo Oromo elites in 1913. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]