The state- and nation-building approaches pursued by the imperial regime in pre-1974 Ethiopia have been subject to divergent interpretations. The role of the Amhara ruling class in this process and their use of Amharic as a lingua franca have been widely interpreted as a form of Amhara domination over non-Amhara groups. This interpretation has played a significant role in the emergence of competing nationalisms in the country. Situated within this broader context, the present study seeks to examine the factors that contributed to the shift in the modus operandi of Amhara nationalism, from peaceful to violent forms, by investigating its origins and resistance strategies. A qualitative approach was employed, using data gathered through interviews, focus group discussions, media content analysis and document review. The collected data were analyzed through a combination of thematic analysis and critical discourse analysis. The study is theoretically grounded in social constructionist theory and draws on literature addressing the enduring legacy of colonialism in shaping nationalism in Africa. Findings indicate that the narrative portraying the Amhara as historical oppressors and the subsequent structural violence directed against them are at the root of Amhara nationalism. This Amhara-oppressor discourse, rooted in Orientalist interpretations of history, was instrumentalized by Fascist Italy during its occupation of Ethiopia (1936-1941) as a divide-and-rule tactic. Following liberation, this anti Amhara narrative was adopted by various actors and became institutionalized within the ethnic federal architecture of post-1991 Ethiopia. In response, Amhara elites launched a resistance movement that blended both violent and non-violent tactics, contributing to the national leadership change in 2018. Although the new administration pledged to end ethnic-based attacks, structural violence against the Amhara has persisted, leading to the radicalization of Amhara nationalism. Based on these findings, the study concludes that Amhara nationalism is an evolving phenomenon, with its ideology and modus operandi continuously shifting in response to changing conditions. Moreover, the failure to address the legitimate grievances underlying Amhara nationalism risks exacerbating the broader national crisis, as reflected in the ongoing conflict between the Amhara Fano and the government. Accordingly, future research should scrutinize the nature, actors and dynamics of this conflict to inform viable pathways toward a peaceful resolution.