Member-only story

Back In Time To The Battle Of Adwa: A Triumph Of African Resistance

Barry Bryant

·11.5k Followers· Follow

Published in Back In Time To The Battle Of Adwa: African Victory 1896

5 min read

487 View Claps

59 Respond

Save

Listen

Back in Time to the Battle of Adwa: African Victory 1896

by Course Hero

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7443 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	29 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

On March 1, 1896, a momentous battle unfolded on the plains of Adwa, Ethiopia. The Battle of Adwa, also known as the Battle of Adua, was a pivotal event in African history, marking a decisive victory for Ethiopian forces over the invading Italian army. This article takes you back in time to explore the context, events, and legacy of this remarkable battle.

Prelude to the Battle

The Battle of Adwa was the culmination of a series of events that began in the late 19th century. At that time, European powers were competing for control of Africa, and Italy had set its sights on Ethiopia, which was one of the few remaining independent African nations. In 1889, Italy signed the Treaty of Wuchale with Emperor Yohannes IV of Ethiopia, which gave Italy control over the port of Massawa on the Red Sea. However, the Italians misinterpreted the treaty as giving them control over all of Ethiopia, and they began to occupy additional territory.

Emperor Yohannes IV died in 1889, and was succeeded by Menelik II. Menelik II was determined to resist Italian aggression, and he began to mobilize his army. In 1895, Italy sent a force of 20,000 troops to Ethiopia, under the command of General Oreste Baratieri. Baratieri advanced into Ethiopian territory, and on March 1, 1896, he reached the town of Adwa, where he encountered the Ethiopian army.

The Battle

The Battle of Adwa began at dawn on March 1, 1896. The Italian army was well-equipped with modern weapons, including artillery and machine guns. However, the Ethiopian army had the advantage of numbers, and they were fighting on their own territory. The Ethiopians also used a variety of tactics, including guerrilla warfare and cavalry charges, to defeat the Italians.

The battle lasted for several hours, and by the end of the day, the Italians had been routed. The Ethiopians captured thousands of prisoners, including General Baratieri himself. The Italians also lost a large number of weapons and equipment.

Aftermath of the Battle

The Battle of Adwa was a major victory for Ethiopia, and it is considered to be one of the most important battles in African history. The victory gave Ethiopia its independence, and it also inspired other African nations to resist European colonialism. The battle also had a significant impact on Italian politics, and it led to the fall of the Italian government.

Legacy of the Battle

The Battle of Adwa is still celebrated in Ethiopia today as a symbol of national pride and independence. The battle is also commemorated in other African countries, and it is seen as a symbol of African resistance to colonialism. The battle has also been the subject of numerous books, articles, and films.

The Battle of Adwa was a pivotal event in African history. The victory of the Ethiopians over the Italians was a major blow to European colonialism, and it inspired other African nations to resist European rule. The battle is still celebrated today as a symbol of African pride and independence.