THE NATION
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Although Italy only occupied Ethiopia in 1936 and got kicked out in 1941, it is still considered as the only African nation that was never colonised by the Europeans.
Ethiopia’s journey towards independence began long before the ‘scramble for Africa’ – the period between 1884 and 1914, when the European colonisers partitioned unexplored African continent into protectorates, colonies and ‘free-trade areas’ – in the late 19th century. Ethiopia had established itself as a powerful empire in the Horn of Africa, renowned for its strong monarchies and proud traditions with a sense of national identity and unity which proved crucial in facing external threats.
As European powers embarked on their quest for colonial domination in Africa, Ethiopia emerged as a prime target due to its strategic location and abundant resources. However, unlike many African nations – like Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Sierra Leone, etc – that succumbed to European armies and colonial ambitions, Ethiopia resisted all of these.
One of the defining moments in Ethiopia’s struggle against colonialism came in 1896, during the Battle of Adwa. In a remarkable display of unity and military prowess, Ethiopian forces, led by Emperor Menelik II, defeated the Italian army, which sought to establish colonial rule and with the victory at Adwa, the myth of European invincibility was broken thereby cementing Ethiopia’s status as an independent nation.Some of the reasons why Ethiopia was able to stand firm against the Europeans are:
1. Ethiopia was able to use diplomacy and strategic alliances to maintain its independence. Emperor Menelik II forged alliances with European powers, such as France and Russia, which provided Ethiopia with economic and military support. These alliances also made it clear to potential colonizers that any attempt to invade Ethiopia would be met with resistance from a powerful coalition of nations.
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