Italo-Ethiopian Wars

Definition

Italy occupied Ethiopia for five years, from 1935 to 1941, following a mass-scale invasion launched by the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini (1883-1945). However, Ethiopia had been a long-aimed colonial objective of Italy, which had already tried to invade the country in 1896 but was eventually defeated at the Battle of Adwa. Mussolini was determined to show that fascism could avenge the humiliation of Adwa and realise the dream of a new empire for Rome.

More about: Italo-Ethiopian Wars

Timeline

  • 1882
    Italy officially buys the bay of Assab.
  • 26 Jan 1887
    Battle of Dogali.
  • 2 May 1889
    Italy and the King of Shewa, Menelik, sign the Treaty of Wuchale.
  • 1895 - 1896
    First Italo-Ethiopian War.
  • 1 Mar 1896
    Battle of Adwa.
  • 28 Sep 1923
    Ethiopia is the first African state to join the League of Nations.
  • 1935 - 1936
    Second Italo-Ethiopian War.
Membership