On March 1, 1896, the hills of Adwa in northern Ethiopia became the stage for a decisive moment in African history. Under the command of Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu Betul, Ethiopian forces prepared to confront the advancing Italian army, led by Oreste Baratieri (Gen.). Italy, having established a foothold in Eritrea, sought to expand its colonial empire deep into Ethiopian territory.
At dawn, an estimated 100,000 Ethiopian troops, including infantry and cavalry, clashed with approximately 17,700 Italian soldiers and Eritrean askari auxiliaries. The rugged terrain, well known to the Ethiopians but treacherous for the invaders, played a crucial role in shaping the battle’s outcome. By the end of the day, Ethiopian forces had secured a resounding victory. Italian losses were staggering—around 6,000 killed, 1,500 wounded, and 3,000 captured. Ethiopian casualties, while also significant, were estimated at between 4,000 and 7,000 dead, with 6,000 wounded.
Historians emphasize that Adwa’s significance extended beyond the battlefield. It was not just another colonial skirmish; it was the most devastating defeat of a European power by an African army during the height of imperial expansion. The conflict stemmed from the contested interpretation of the 1889 Treaty of Wuchale—specifically Article 17, which Italy claimed granted it a protectorate over Ethiopia. Emperor Menelik, rejecting this assertion, saw it as an attempt to erode his nation’s sovereignty. As diplomatic tensions escalated, war became inevitable.
The victory at Adwa sent shockwaves across the world. At a time when European colonial powers dominated much of Africa, Ethiopia’s triumph shattered racial and imperial assumptions. It became a beacon of resistance for the African diaspora and a source of pride for Black communities globally. Ethiopia’s success also ensured its unique status as the only African nation to remain independent during the Scramble for Africa.
Yet, in modern Ethiopia, the legacy of Adwa remains a subject of political and historical debate. While it is widely celebrated as a symbol of unity and resilience, differing perspectives have emerged over time. Some view it as a pan-Ethiopian triumph, reinforcing a national identity, while others argue that its commemoration has been shaped to serve evolving political narratives. The broader movements of decolonization and contemporary political divisions continue to influence how Adwa is remembered.
For Daniel Seifemichael, head of foreign affairs for the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and a theological scholar, Adwa’s significance extends beyond military strategy and battlefield heroics. “The battle was not just about defending territory—it was about preserving faith, identity, and freedom from enslavement,” he said. He argues that Ethiopians recognized the existential threat posed by Italian ambitions and united accordingly.
Beyond Ethiopia and Africa, Adwa’s impact was felt across the world. Daniel also sees Adwa as a moment that disrupted European colonial strategies beyond Ethiopia. “This victory was more than just a military success,” he said. “It shattered carefully orchestrated colonial plans, overturning over a decade of European schemes with a single, decisive blow. It was a war of justice and righteousness. It was not just an Ethiopian triumph—it resonated with Latin Americans, with all those resisting oppression and slavery.”
While historical records indicate that Italy’s colonial ambitions were driven by broader European imperialism, internal political pressures, and the disputed Treaty of Wuchale, Daniel argues that Ethiopians understood the invasion’s deeper implications. He contends that beyond military conquest, Italy sought to dismantle and erode Ethiopia’s religious institutions, exploit its resources, and reshape its societal identity—all with backing from other European powers and even the United States.
“The Italians did not march alone toward Ethiopia,” he said. “They were well-equipped and had a clear mission. More importantly, they had logistical superiority, backed by their European allies, including the US. However, Adwa forced them to reconsider their assumptions. They believed no force could halt Italy’s advance.”
Daniel links Italy’s invasion to the broader colonial ambitions formalized during the Berlin Conference of 1884–1885, which accelerated the “Scramble for Africa.” While the conference initially involved seven countries, he notes that by its conclusion, 14 nations had participated—a sign, he argues, of Europe’s growing confidence in Italy’s ability to subdue Ethiopia. Adwa, however, shattered those expectations. The victory not only preserved the nation’s sovereignty but also altered the trajectory of global anti-colonial movements, influencing nationalist struggles as far as India and reshaping the political landscape of North America.
According to Daniel, European interest in Africa intensified in the 1840s during the era of global exploration, but the determination to dominate the continent escalated in the 1870s, by which time European powers had already claimed 10 percent of Africa. This ambition culminated in the Berlin Conference, where colonial powers meticulously planned Africa’s partition over four months. “For nearly half a year, they strategized how to divide the continent,” he said. “Yet Ethiopia dismantled this carefully coordinated scheme in a single day. That was extraordinary.”
The ripple effects of Adwa, he asserts, extended beyond Africa, triggering internal divisions among colonial powers and forcing them to reevaluate their approach to expansion.
A History Beyond Politics
Although contemporary political disputes in Ethiopia have shaped discussions about Adwa’s legacy, Daniel insists that history must remain separate from politics. “Historical facts are immutable,” he said. “They do not change with interpretation.”
He believes the victory at Adwa belongs to all Ethiopians, regardless of differing narratives. “It is crucial to resolve differences, establish the true historical facts, and recognize the contributions of all,” he told The Reporter. “These are the foundations for reconciling contrasting perspectives on Adwa.” He also argues that Ethiopia has yet to give the battle the full recognition it deserves. “We must speak loudly about the heroic contributions of all Ethiopians who sacrificed their lives for the integrity of one Ethiopia.”
The Battle of Adwa dismantled Europe’s colonial blueprints, disrupted the Scramble for Africa, and inspired oppressed peoples worldwide. More than a century later, its legacy endures—a reminder that unity, resilience, and the pursuit of justice can triumph against even the most formidable odds.
