The Battle of Adwa in 1896 was the first time in the colonial era that an African army decisively defeated a European army in a full-scale battle. Italy was humiliated on the world stage.
The Story of Emperor Menelik II
Menelik II became King of Shewa in 1865 and Emperor of Ethiopia in 1889. As European powers carved up Africa among themselves during the "Scramble for Africa," Menelik watched carefully and prepared. He modernized his military, stockpiled firearms through diplomatic trade deals, and built alliances across his empire.
Italy, which had signed a treaty with Ethiopia, secretly inserted a clause in the Italian version making Ethiopia an Italian protectorate — while the Amharic version said no such thing. Menelik refused to be deceived. When Italy sent an invasion force in 1895, Menelik mobilized 100,000 soldiers — one of the largest armies assembled in Africa at the time.
On March 1, 1896, at Adwa in northern Ethiopia, Menelik's forces surrounded and annihilated the Italian army. Over 6,000 Italian soldiers were killed, 1,500 captured, and 2,000 wounded. It was the worst defeat any European colonial army had suffered at the hands of an African force in the colonial era.
The impact was seismic. Italy was humiliated. Ethiopia remained free. And across Africa and the African diaspora, news of Adwa sparked hope and pride — proof that African armies could defeat European colonizers in pitched battle.
Color Emperor's Portrait
The Alphabet Book of Generals — Who Resisted White Supremacy and Won features a full-page coloring portrait of Emperor with a color guide and fun fact. Perfect for children ages 4–12 and Black history education.
Get the Book on Amazon →