The Battle of Adwa was the climactic battle between Ethiopia and Italy which was led by the then Emperor of Ethiopia Menelik II and Ethiopian forces defeated an invading Italian forces on 1 March 1896. The day is annually commemorated by Ethiopians as special day in which Ethiopia secured its sovereignty in that hard time.
At the moment the victory was shocking for all whites not only for Italians and Ethiopia is the first African nation to resist European conquest during the scramble for Africa, Ethiopia became a pre-eminent symbol of the pan-African movement and international opposition to colonialism.
March 1, 1896, was a historic month in Ethiopia, which drew the attention of the whole world. It was significant because of Ethiopia’s spectacular victory over the invading European nation Italy, at the Battle of Adwa. According to the writing of the historian and social researcher professor Donald Levine, the black African nation, Ethiopia, irreversibly beat a European power ever since the domination of Europe over Africa.
The victory of Adwa quickly became the pride and inspiration of the subjugated people of the world and a beacon of hope for all those who resisted any form of domination of a people over others. Indeed, Adwa changed perspectives and history was never to be the same as in the pre-Adwa days for Ethiopians and of the people of African origin.
When we think of and remember the victory of Adwa, we should always recognize that the Ethiopian people, all together, were willing to sacrifice their lives in fighting against the foreign invader and maintain their national unity.
Adwa is a common aim and a common future plan. We need to clearly understand the principle Adwa proved to us and express our ownership of the victory in practical terms. Adwa has been an icon for the anti-colonization struggle. Adwa has been an inspiration and hope for all the oppressed people.
Raymond Jonas, Professor of History at the University of Washington, in his book called “The Battle of Adwa, African Victory in The Age of Empire” stated that in March 1896 a well-organized and united Ethiopian army did this unthinkable thing to an invading Italian force and brought Italy’s war of conquest in Africa to an end. In an age of relentless European expansion, Ethiopia had successfully defended its independence and cast doubt upon an unshakable certainty of the age that later all Africans would fall under the rule of Europeans. This is the first time that African army had defeated definitively European army, which is astonishing at the time and still now. No one predicted Ethiopian victory.
What was considered unthinkable in pre-Adwa days was proved wrong. That is why Adwa is considered ‘the pride of Ethiopia and all of Africa’. To commemorate this historical battle reminds that it belongs to all people of African descent.
March 1896 holds a special place in Ethiopian history. This victory changed the country’s destiny and transformed the consciousness of Ethiopians and people of African descent all over the world as a symbol of resistance to colonialism.
Thanks to their heroic resistance, Ethiopians managed to remain the only independent African country of that time, which is why they cherish the victory of Adwa for the generations to come. As we celebrate this important part of Ethiopia’s modern history, we should also seize this opportunity to investigate many aspects of that famous chapter, and numerous revelations probably still await us as many aspects of the battle are still not well researched.
Ethiopia annually marks March as the victory of Adwa. This year also Monday March 2 marks as the 124th anniversary of the Battle of Adwa, a decisive victory of Ethiopia over Italian colonialism. This great victory has been a source of inspiration for struggles for freedom throughout the pan-African world. Adwa has important lessons for Africans in their resistance against new forms of oppression at the time.
After Adowa, Ethiopia became symbolic of African resistance, the bastion of prestige and hope to all Africans and beyond who were experiencing the full shock of European conquest, and were beginning to search for an answer to the myth of African inferiority.
“Ethiopia has need of no one. She stretches out her hands to God.” (Emperor Menelik, February, 1897). “There was never a time when united that Ethiopians lost to an enemy; it is non-existent in history.” “I am a woman. I do not like war. But I would rather die than accept your deal.” Etege Taitu Bitul, Wife of Menelik II.
“The focus on modern Ethiopia by people of African descent started during the age of segregation and colonialism. In an Africa partitioned by European powers at the Congress of Berlin, where no African representatives were present, independent Ethiopia represented a kingdom and a beacon for idealists who promoted the freedom of Africa and other Blacks around the world. This was emphasized when Ethiopian forces defeated invading Italians at the Battle of Adwa in 1896.
Ethiopian Herald february 29/2020
BY HAILE DEMEKE
