The Battle of Adwa, which took place on March 1, 1896, was a significant military clash in northern Ethiopia between Emperor Menilek II‘s Ethiopian army and Italian forces. This battle marked a critical moment in Ethiopian History and had broader implications for Africa’s resistance against European colonialism. Menilek’s victory ended Italy’s ambitions to establish an empire in Africa and became the first major defeat of a European power by African forces during the colonial era.
Before the battle, Ethiopia was a collection of semi-independent kingdoms under the rule of the Ethiopian emperor. After Emperor Yohannes IV died in 1889, there was disorder as potential successors fought for power. Italy supported Sahle Mariam of Shewa (later known as Menilek II), providing him with modern weapons and funds to strengthen his military. Menilek used this support to unite smaller Ethiopian kingdoms under his rule and secure his claim to the throne.
Italy and Menilek signed the Treaty of Wichale (Ucciali) in May 1889, which included Italy’s promise to lend money to Ethiopia and recognized Italy’s claim over the nearby colony of Eritrea. However, there was disagreement over Article XVII of the treaty, which Menilek interpreted differently from Italy. Menilek eventually rejected the treaty altogether in September 1893 as tensions escalated.
The conflict escalated further when Italy tried to impose dominion over Ethiopia militarily in early 1895. Despite initial Italian successes, Menilek’s well-armed army of over 100,000 soldiers posed a significant threat to the Italians. Menilek strategically misled the Italians about the size of his army, creating confusion and discord among his enemies.
The battle finally began on March 1, 1896, when the Italian army, facing challenges such as inadequate supplies and disorganization, decided to advance towards Adwa. Despite being outnumbered, Menilek’s forces decisively defeated the Italians, who suffered heavy casualties and were forced to retreat. Thousands of Italian soldiers were killed or captured, while Ethiopia also faced significant losses.
The Treaty of Addis Ababa, signed in October 1896, nullified the Treaty of Wichale and restored peace. Italy abandoned its claim to a protectorate over Ethiopia, and the size of the Italian colony of Eritrea was reduced.
Menilek’s victory elevated his status both domestically and internationally. Ethiopia experienced a period of peace and expansion while much of Africa was embroiled in colonial conflicts. Subsequent treaties with Italy, France, and Great Britain established Ethiopia’s borders with neighboring territories ruled by European powers.
References:Â
- Marcus, Harold G. “The Life and Times of Menelik II: Ethiopia 1844-1913.” Red Sea Press, 1995.
- Pankhurst, Richard. “The Battle of Adwa: Reflections on Ethiopia’s Historic Victory Against European Colonialism.” Addis Tribune, 2001.
- Shiferaw Bekele. “The Battle of Adwa and Its Significance in Ethiopian History.” Ethiopian Journal of Development Research, vol. 30, no. 2, 2008, pp. 113-129.
- Tsegaye Tegenu. “Ethiopia and the Making of Modern Africa: The Role of Emperor Menelik II.” Journal of African History, vol. 42, no. 3, 2001, pp. 441-465.
- Ullendorff, Edward. “The Ethiopians: An Introduction to Country and People.” Oxford University Press, 2002.
