Adwa 1896 When Africa Defeated Europe

In this episode of the Berlin Conference series, we explore the Battle of Adwa, the decisive Ethiopian victory over Italy in 1896 that preserved Ethiopian independence and shattered the myth of European invincibility. We delve into the Treaty of Wuchale, where a mistranslation allowed Italy to claim a protectorate over Ethiopia; Emperor Menelik II's shrewd diplomacy, including his purchase of modern arms from France and Russia; and his meticulous military preparations that united Ethiopia's fractious nobility. The battle itself on March 1, 1896, near the town of Adwa, saw well-armed Ethiopian forces under Ras Alula Engida and other commanders overwhelm a divided Italian army under General Oreste Baratieri. We discuss the aftermath: Italy recognized Ethiopia's sovereignty in the Treaty of Addis Ababa, and Ethiopia remained independent until the Second Italo-Ethiopian War in 1935. Learn how this single battle reshaped the colonial map and inspired anti-colonial movements across Africa. #BattleOfAdwa #MenelikII #Ethiopia #Italy #OresteBaratieri #RasAlula #TreatyOfWuchale #ScrambleForAfrica #Colonialism #March1st1896 #Adwa #EthiopianEmpire #Tigray #ItalianColonialism #AfricanResistance #History #FexingoHistory #Decolonization Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo