-
First Italo- Ethiopian War
Ethiopia's military victory over Italy secured it the distinction of being the only African nation to resist European colonialism with a decisive show of force. The ancient land of Ethiopia became the only African territory to avoid absorption into a European colonial empire during the nineteenth century, although areas of what became Eritrea and of Somalia where at times Ethiopia had ruled did fall to Italy, becoming Italian East Africa. -
Italian Forces Marched
Italian forces marched fifty miles in Ethiopia and clashed with Ethiopian troops at Wal Wal, leaving one hundred and fifty Ethiopians and two Italians dead. -
Italian Forces Marched
Italian forces marched fifty miles in Ethiopia and clashed with Ethiopian troops at Wal Wal, leaving one hundred and fifty Ethiopians and two Italians dead. -
Italy's Invasion
Italy was able to launch its invasion without interference primarily due to the United Kingdom and France placing a high priority on retaining Italy as an ally in case hostilities broke out with Germany. To this end, on 7 January 1935, France signed an agreement with Italy giving them essentially a free hand in Africa to secure Italian co-operation. -
The league of Nations
The League of Nations exonerated both parties for the Wal Wal incident. The United Kingdom and France, keen to keep Italy as an ally against Germany, did not take strong steps to discourage an Italian military buildup. Italy soon began to build its forces on the borders of Ethiopia in Eritrea and Italian Somaliland. -
Italian's Invaded Ethiopia
Second Italo- Ethiopian war, was a colonial war that started in October 1935. The war was fought between the armed forces of kingdom of Italy and the armed forces of Ethiopian Empire. Italians invaded Ethiopia. -
Italian's Invaded Ethiopia
Second Italo- Ethiopian war, was a colonial war that started in October 1935. The war was fought between the armed forces of kingdom of Italy and the armed forces of Ethiopian Empire. Italians invaded Ethiopia. -
Benito Mussolini
The League of Nations was faced with another crucial test. Benito Mussolini, the Fascist leader of Italy, had adopted Adolf Hitler's plans to expand German territories by acquiring all territories it considered German. Mussolini followed this policy when he invaded Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) the African country situated on the horn of Africa. Mussolini claimed that his policies of expansion were not different from that of other colonial powers in Africa. -
Ethiopians Counterattacked Italians
On March 31, 1936, the Ethiopians counterattacked the main Italian force at Maychew but were defeated. By early April 1936, Italian forces had reached Dese in the north and Harer in the east. -
Annexation of Ethiopia
On May 2, Haile Selassie left for French Somaliland and exile--a move resented by some Ethiopians who were accustomed to a warrior emperor. The Italian forces entered Addis Ababa on May 5. Four days later, Italy announced the annexation of Ethiopia. -
Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Italian Somaliland
In early June 1936, Rome promulgated a constitution bringing Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Italian Somaliland together into a single administrative unit divided into six provinces. On June 11, 1936, Marshal Rodolfo Graziani replaced Marshal Pietro Badoglio, who had commanded the Italian forces in the war. In December the Italians declared the whole country to be pacified and under their effective control. Ethiopian resistance nevertheless continued. -
World War II
When World War II began in September 1939, Great Britain declared war on Italy. Two years later on April 6, 1941, British and Ethiopian troops drove the Italians out of Addis Abba and restored Emperor Haile Selassie as head of the Ethiopian government. Ironically, Ethiopia was the first nation liberated from Axis powers in World War II.
