Member-only story

African Victory in the Age of Empire: Ethiopia's Triumph over Italy

Dylan Mitchell

·16.4k Followers· Follow

Published in The Battle Of Adwa: African Victory In The Age Of Empire

4 min read

562 View Claps

56 Respond

Save

Listen

The Battle of Adwa: African Victory in the Age of Empire

by John Agnew

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15116 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	432 pages

In the annals of history, the story of Ethiopia's victory over Italy during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, also known as the Abyssinian War, stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It was a remarkable triumph that defied the odds, shattered the myth of European invincibility, and became a symbol of African resilience and defiance against colonial aggression.

The conflict between Ethiopia and Italy had been simmering for years, fueled by Italy's desire to expand its colonial empire in East Africa. In 1935, Italy launched a full-scale invasion of Ethiopia, seeking to conquer the ancient kingdom and add it to its colonial holdings.

Emperor Haile Selassie: A Symbol of Resistance

Facing the overwhelming might of the Italian army, Ethiopia found a leader in Emperor Haile Selassie I, a charismatic and determined ruler who refused to bow to foreign aggression. Haile Selassie became the face of Ethiopian resistance, rallying his people and inspiring them to fight for their independence.

Despite being outmatched in terms of weapons and technology, the Ethiopian army, led by Haile Selassie, fought back valiantly. They used their knowledge of the terrain and employed guerrilla tactics to inflict heavy losses on the Italian invaders.

The Battle of Adwa: Ethiopia's Decisive Victory

The turning point of the war came at the Battle of Adwa, which took place on March 1, 1896. The Ethiopian army, under the command of Emperor Menelik II, confronted the invading Italian forces led by General Oreste Baratieri.

In a fierce and bloody battle, the Ethiopians routed the Italians, killing or wounding over 11,000 Italian soldiers. The victory at Adwa was a decisive moment in the war, shattering the myth of European invincibility and inspiring African nations across the continent.

International Support for Ethiopia

Ethiopia's victory over Italy also had a significant impact on the international stage. It drew attention to the plight of African nations under colonial rule and inspired movements for independence and self-determination.

The League of Nations, a precursor to the United Nations, condemned Italy's aggression and imposed sanctions on the country. This action demonstrated the growing international sympathy for Ethiopia and its struggle for freedom.

Emperor Haile Selassie's Address to the League of Nations

In a historic address to the League of Nations in 1936, Emperor Haile Selassie exposed the brutality of the Italian invasion and appealed for international support. His eloquent and passionate speech resonated with the world and helped to mobilize support for Ethiopia's cause.

"It is us today, tomorrow it will be you," Haile Selassie warned the League. His words became a rallying cry for anti-colonial movements around the world.

The Legacy of Ethiopia's Victory

Ethiopia's victory over Italy in the Second Italo-Ethiopian War remains a source of pride and inspiration for Africans and people of African descent worldwide. It demonstrated that African nations could resist and defeat European colonial powers.

The war also played a significant role in raising awareness about the horrors of colonialism and contributed to the growing movement for African independence.

Today, Ethiopia's victory stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the African people. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, resistance and defiance can prevail.

The Battle of Adwa: African Victory in the Age of Empire

by John Agnew

4.7 out of 5