Grade10 History note -6-10-1-25 (3)

The Egyptian Aggression

• The British mission's success in Ethiopia created a false impression about its vulnerability, prompting Egypt to aim for control over Northeast Africa, including Ethiopia.

• Aimed to dominate the Nile's source, the Egyptians prepared a campaign for full occupation.

Invasion of Ethiopia (1875)

• Khedive Ismail's Campaign:

  • Initiated in 1875, troops were deployed in three directions:

    • From Zaila: Led by Mohammed Rauf Pasha; resulted in the occupation of Harar Emirate (1875-1885).

    • From Tajura (Djibouti): Led by Werner Munzinger; faced annihilation by Afar forces.

    • From Massawa: Colonel Arendrup and Arakel Bey led 2,000 troops, confronting Ethiopian forces.

• Ethiopian Response:

  • Emperor Yohannes IV mobilized 20,000 troops against Egyptians, leading to defeats at:

    • Battle of Gundat: 16 November 1875

    • Battle of Gura: 7-9 March 1876

The Mahdist Sudan Invasion

• The Mahdist movement encircled Egyptian troops in Eastern Sudan (Kassala), necessitating evacuation through Massawa.

• The Hewett Treaty (1884) Terms:

  • Yohannes IV agreed to evacuate Egyptian troops safely through Massawa.

  • British promised Massawa would be a free port for Ethiopia.

• Yohannes’ involvement led to conflict with Mahdists, resulting in:

  • Battle of Kufit (September 1885): Victory for Ethiopian forces.

  • Mahdists caused destruction; Yohannes ordered counteraction but faced defeats:

    • Sar Wuha (1888) led by Nigus T/Haymanot.

• Triangular tension emerged:

  • Italians in the North

  • Mahdists in the Northwest

  • Conspiracies by his vassals

• National Call to Arms by Emperor Yohannes.

• Battle of Metemma: 9 March 1889, where Yohannes died fighting Mahdists.

Italian Aggression against Ethiopia

• The Italian presence began with the acquisition of Assab port by Rubatino (1869).

• The port was later transferred to the Italian government (1882).

• Britain covertly transferred Massawa from Egypt to Italy (1885).

Italian Expansion and Conflict

• Italy began advancing into Northern Ethiopia but faced defeat at:

  • Battle of Dogali (1887) led by Ras Alula Engida.

• Wuchale Treaty (May 2, 1889)

  • Promoted as a friendship pact but contained differing interpretations:

    • Amharic version: Allows emperor to use Italian support.

    • Italian version: Made it obligatory, leading to misunderstandings.

• Menelik II's response:

  • Requested amendment then unilaterally abrogated the treaty (1893).

• Italians crossed the Marab River, resulting in a national mobilization led by Menelik II.

Major Battles

• Battle of Ambalage (7 December 1895): Ethiopian forces defeated Italians.

• Siege of Mekelle (7-21 January 1896): Ethiopians, led by Ras Mekonnen, defeated the Italians using strategic water access denial.

• Battle of Adwa (1 March 1896): A decisive victory for Ethiopian forces led by Menelik II and commanders including Empress Taytu.

Consequences of the Battle of Adwa

• Heavy losses:

  • 8,000 Italian casualties; about 4,000-6,000 Ethiopian troops killed.

• International Recognition:

  • The Treaty of Addis Ababa (October 26, 1896) recognized Ethiopian sovereignty.

• Establishment of legations from great powers in Addis Ababa (e.g. Italy, France, Britain).

• Symbol of national pride and unity for Ethiopians and a source of inspiration for independence movements globally.

• The Italian defeat led to the downfall of Prime Minister Francesco Crispi's government.