Battle of Adowa
The Battle of Adowa, fought on March 1, 1896, was a significant conflict between Italy and Ethiopia that marked a pivotal moment in the struggle for African sovereignty against colonial powers. Italy, aiming to expand its territory in Africa, misinterpreted a treaty signed with Ethiopian Emperor Menelik II as a relinquishment of Ethiopia's independence. In response to Italy's military aggression, Menelik mobilized a much larger force of approximately 100,000 troops. The Italian army, numbering around 20,000, was commanded by General Oreste Baratieri and attempted to launch a surprise attack against the Ethiopians.
However, Ethiopian forces demonstrated remarkable tactical skill, disrupting Italian coordination and engaging them in close combat, thus neutralizing Italy's advantage in long-range weaponry. The outcome was a decisive Ethiopian victory, leading to significant Italian casualties and the capture of thousands of soldiers. This battle is regarded as a landmark event in the fight against colonialism, with its significance underscored by the subsequent treaty that formally recognized Ethiopia's independence. The victory at Adowa stands as a symbol of resistance and a testament to the resolve of African nations during the age of imperialism.
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Battle of Adowa
Type of action: Ground battle in the Italian-Ethiopian War
Date: February 29-March 1, 1896
Location: Adowa, Tigray (Ethiopia)
Combatants: Ethiopians vs. Italians
Principal commanders:Ethiopian, Emperor Menelik II (1844–1913); Italian, General Oreste Baratieri (1841–1901)
Result: Annihilation of the Italian forces and the frustration of Italy’s ambition to colonize Ethiopia
Italy, a latecomer in the scramble for Africa, initially hoped to extend its control in northeast Africa through the collaboration of the indigenous rulers. Toward this end, it signed a treaty of friendship with the Ethiopian emperor Menelik II in 1889. The Italians interpreted this treaty to mean that Ethiopia had signed away its independence to Italy. When the Italians’ attempts to assume control were foiled by Menelik’s vigorous resistance, the Italians prepared for war.
In the fall of 1895, Italian prime minister Francesco Crispi ordered some 20,000 troops, led by General Oreste Baratieri, to launch the attack against Ethiopia. Menelik marched some 100,000 troops to meet the Italian challenge in northern Ethiopia. After breaking the southern defensive line of the Italians at Amba Alagi and Mekele (1895), Menelik proceeded farther north to Adowa, which the main Italian force had fortified.
On the night of February 29, 1896, Baratieri ordered the attack from three directions, hoping to catch the Ethiopians by surprise. The Ethiopian forces were able to regroup and seize the initiative with remarkable speed. They prevented coordination between the Italian columns that were advancing from three directions, thereby throwing the Italian battle plan into disarray. Menelik’s commanders enveloped the isolated columns and engaged them in hand-to-hand combat, denying the Italians the opportunity to use their superior long-range weapons. By the end of the day on March 1, 1896, the Italian force had been vanquished. Italy’s losses included about 7,000 dead, 1,500 wounded, and some 3,000 who became prisoners of war.
Significance
Adowa was described by contemporaries as “the greatest victory of an African over a European army since the time of Hannibal.” Italy was forced to sign a treaty recognizing the absolute independence of Ethiopia.
Bibliography
Bahru, Zewde. A History of Modern Ethiopia, 1855–1974. London: Addis Ababa University Press, 1991.
Berkley, G. F. H. The Campaign of Adowa and the Rise of Menelik. London: A. Constable, 1902
Marcus, Harold. The Life and Times of Menelik II, Ethiopia: 1844–1913. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1975.
Prouty, Chris. Empress Taytu and Menelik II, Ethiopia, 1883–1910. London: Ravens Educational & Development Services, 1986.
Rubenson, Sven. The Survival of Ethiopian Independence. London: Heinemann, 1976.