Curiousity Memoirs

By Jude Obuseh Emperor Menelik II is celebrated as a pivotal figure in Ethiopian history, revered for his role in thwarting European colonization and safeguarding Ethiopia's independence. His leadership and military acumen not only secured Ethiopia's sovereignty but also served as a resounding statement against European imperial ambitions in Africa. In the late 19th century, European powers sought to expand their colonial empires into Africa, viewing the continent as a source of wealth and resources. Italy, in particular, targeted Ethiopia for colonization. However, Emperor Menelik II, with his strategic foresight and unwavering determination, stood as a formidable obstacle to Italian aggression. One of the most defining moments of Menelik II's reign came during the Battle of Adwa in 1896, where Ethiopian forces decisively defeated the Italian army. This historic victory shattered the myth of European invincibility and established Ethiopia as the only African na...