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History
Lesson Note
for Grade 10
 UNIT THREE
SOCIAL, ECONOMIC
AND POLITICAL
DEVELOPMENTS IN
ETHIOPIA FROM MID-
19th C. TO 1941
2024/25 Academic Year Second Quarter Lesson Note 1 for
Unit learning outcomes
At the end of this unit, the students will be able
to:
• Examine the interactions among people and states in
Ethiopia in relation to the long distance trade;
• Identify major socio-economic and political reforms
of the period;
• Describe the causes of external aggression and its
consequences;
• Recognize the unity of Ethiopian people against
foreign aggression.
3.1 Long Distance Trade In 19th
Century and The Cottage Industry
The Trade Routes, People’s Interaction, Major Market
Centers, The Medium Of Exchange, And Trade Items

 In the 19th century, the southern, northern and

eastern parts of Ethiopia and the Horn were
connected by two major trade routes that started
from Bonga, the capital of the Kafa Kingdom.
 The first trade route started from Bonga and
passed through the famous market centers of the
century like Jiren in Jimma, Hirmata, Saqa in
Limmu-Ennarya, Assandabo in Horro-Gudru,
Basso in Gojjam, Darita in Begemeder and
Gondar.
 … Continued
At Gondar it branched into two:
 The first went westward through Chilga to Matamma
(Gallabat) to Ethio-Sudanese border and the other route
passed through Adwa, Asmara and terminated at Massawa
on the Red Sea coast.
 The second major trade route also started from Bonga
and passed through the famous market centers of the
century like Hirmata in Jimma, Soddo in southern Shewa,
Rogge at the foot of Yarar Mountain, Aliyu Amba in
northern Shewa and Harar in eastern Ethiopia.
 At Harar the route branched into two:
 the first route went to Zeyila and the second to Berbera,
both on Coast of the Indian Ocean.
Principal commodities
 Ivory, civet musk, salt bars (amole) and slaves.
 The main medium of exchange were Amole (salt
bar) and Maria Theresa Thalers (MTT).
 MTT was a coin introduced from Austria by Arab
traders at the end of the eighteenth century.
 Participant in the long-distance trade
At each market center, local peoples were active traders.
 Muslim merchants were the dominant group that
traveled from the interior to the coast.
 Jabarti the northern Muslim merchants (Agow, Amhara
and Tegre)
 Afqala - southwest Muslim Oromo merchants.
 Argoba from the kingdom of Shewa were also active
merchants in the trade between Harar and the Northern
Somali coast.
 The Role of Cottage Industries
 The Cottage industry and handicraft technology existed
in Ethiopia since time immemorial.
 The most common cottage industries were metalworking,
pottery, tannery, carpentry, masonry, weaving, jewelry
and basket making.
 The general public’s attitude towards artisans was not at all
encouraging.
 Exercise 3.1
1. Identify the main export items of the 19 th c. long-
distance trade in Ethiopia and the horn of Africa.
2. Identify the main import items of the 19 th c. long-
distance trade in Ethiopia and the horn of Africa.
3. ------------- was the title given for the head of caravan
merchants.
4. Identify the major market centers where the LDT routes
bifurcated.
5. What is cottage industry?
6. _________ and ________ were the dominant medium
of exchange in the 19th c. LDT in Ethiopia and the
Horn.
 3.2. The Making of Modern Ethiopian State
3.2.1. The Rise of Kassa Hailu
Tewodros II (1855-1868)
The making of modern Ethiopia involved:
1. The unification of northern and north-central parts
and;
2. Territorial expansion into the southern half of the
country.
 The first emperor who attempted to unify the country was
Kassa Hailu of Quara.
 Kassa became prominent when he was serving his
half−brother, Dejjazmach Kinfu of Dembya and helped
him in defeating the Egyptians at the battle of Wad
Kaltabu in 1837.
 EMPEROR TEWODROS II (1855-1868).
.
 …continued
 Following the death of Dejjach kinfu in 1839, Ras
Ali II refused to give Kassa Qwara or Kinfu's
governorship of Ye Meru-Qemes. Kassa therefore
went to Qwara as a Shifta (bandit), where he was
extremely successful.
 Yejju(Warra-Sheh) lords gave him Tewabech, the
daughter of Ras Ali II in 1847.
 He was also appointed as the governor of Quara.
 In 1848, Kassa (in his shifta life) fought against the
Egyptians at a place called Dabarqi, his only defeat
because of the Egyptians’ superior military
organization, discipline, and better armaments.
 …Continued
 The major regional lords defeated by Kassa Hailu
before his coronation were:
1.Dejjach Goshu Zewde of Gojjam at Gur Amba on
November 27, 1852.
2.Birru Aligaz and the four other Dejjazmachs at
Gorgora Bichen on April 12, 1853.
3. Ras Ali II of Yejju Dynasty at Ayshal on 29 June
1853. It symbolized the end of the Yejju dynasty.
4. Dejjazmach Wube of Semen and Tigray at
Deresge on 8 February 1855.
 … continued
 Kassa Hailu was anointed by Abuna Salama at Deresge Mariam on
9 Feb. 1855 and became Tewodros II, King of Kings of Ethiopia.
 Tewodros II envisioned to create territorially united, militarily self-
dependent and strong.
THE MILITARY EXPEDITION
1. March to Wello
 Started in March 1855. Ended following the capture of Maqdala on
12 Sep.1855.
2. March to Shewa
 Efrata, Gidem and Menze peacefully submitted.
 Negus Haile Melekot died in the middle of the fight.
 At the battle of Bereket in November 1855, the Shewa resistance was
crushed and Menelik was taken as hostage.
 Haile Mikael was appointed as Merdazmach of Shewa.
 Tewodros II and Modernization
Military Reforms
 Introduced national and modern salaried armies.
 Introduced military titles like Yasir Aleqa (commander of ten).
 Build modern military technology & arms manufacturing at Gafat.
 Socio-economic Reform
Abolish slavery, banditry and looting of peasants
 Tried to stop polygamy
 Taking away church land and distribute to the landless
 Encouraged the use of Amharic in place of geez
Religious reform
Declared Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo as state religion.
Reduced the number of deacons and priests in church to 3 and 2
respectively.
Sebastopol was among the many cannons produced at
Gafat.
 Obstacles Facing Tewodros II’s Modernization and
Unification
Internal opposition
 The reunification process threatened the power of regional
lords.
 His policy on church land brought the emperor in direct
conflict with the church.
External obstacle
 Lack of foreign assistance.

Tewodros II arrested European missionaries and consul

and forced them to produce weapon and ammunitions.
 The British army led by Napier stormed Meqdela on April
13 1868.
 Subsequently Tewodros II took his life with a pistol
 …continued
 Following the death of Emperor Tewodros, three
contenders to the throne emerged;
1. Wagshum Gobeze of Lasta,
2. Kassa Mircha of Tigre, and
3. Menelik of Shewa.
 Gobeze came to power immediately after Tewodros as
Emperor Tekle Giyorgis II (1868−71).
 Adal Tessema and Menelik recognized the over lordship of
Tekle Giyorgis II.
 Kassa Mercha initially accepted and latter refused the over
lordship of the Emperor.
 At the battle at Assem (near Adwa) in July 1871 Kassa
 Classwork
1. Who was the first emperor that started the (re)-unification
process of modern Ethiopia?
2. What were the four major battles that Dejjazmach Kassa
Hailu fought that led him to be an emperor of Ethiopia.
3. Why did Tewodros II conducted military operations
against Wollo and Shewa?
4. Discuss at least three reforms taken by Tewodros II that
impressed you most.
5. What would happen if Tewodros did not start the
reunification of Ethiopia?
 Emperor Yohannes IV Reign (1872-1889)
Yohannes IV (1872-1889) attempted to:
1. Introduce a decentralized system of administration
permitting regional rulers to exercise a great deal of autonomy.
 He recognition of Menilek as Nigus of Shewa in 1878 by the
Liche agreement.
 He designated Ras Adal Tesema of Gojjam as Nigus Tekle-
Haymanot of Gojjam and Kafa in 1881.
2. Yohannes IV achieved unity among the predominantly
Christian provinces, including Wag and Lasta, Semen,
Begemidr, Amhara Saynt, Gojjam, Wollo, Shewa, and the
Mereb Milash for quite some time.
3.Yohannis IV declared Tewahdo as the only doctrine of the EOC
at Borumeda (a church council presided by the emperor himself)
 …Continued

 Ethiopian Muslims, especially those of Wollo, were forced to

be converted to Orthodox Christianity.
 Some superficially converted while others preferred
migration to other areas like Arsi, Gurage, Jimma and Sudan.
The notable converts were:
1. Mohammed Ali - Ras Mikael
2. Amede Liben - Dejjach Haile-Mariam
Class work
1. Who were the three contenders to the throne following the
death of Tewodros II.
2. _________ was the successor of Tewodros II who later
named Emperor _____________.
3. at the battle of __________ Kassa Mercha defeated the
then emperor.
4. Mention the reforms introduced by Yohannes IV.
5. Describe Liche agreement.
 Territorial Expansion to The South
The process of territorial expansion carried out by Menelik II can
be categorized into three phases.
1. THE FIRST PHASE (1875-1889)
 It was made when he was king of Shewa (1865-89).
 Ras Gobana Dache played a pivotal role in the territorial
expansion and the creation of the modern Ethiopian Empire.
 The expansion was facilitated by:
 The Liche agreement- enabled Menelik to concentrate on
expansion.
 The battle of Embabo- Menelik eliminated strong rival of his
expansion.
 Relation with the Italians- enabled Menelik to get fire arms.
 The expansion was concluded both peacefully and forcefully.
 … continued
 South of the Abay River, particularly Horro-
Guduru was controlled by Ras Adal (Negus
Tekle-Haymanot) for some time up to the
time of his defeat at Embabo.
Peaceful submission
 Inthis phase Christian Gurage, Illubabur, Wollega and
most of the Gibe states were incorporated peacefully by
promising local autonomy.
Forceful submission
 Muslim Gurage, led by Hassan Enjamo of
Qebena, strongly resisted Menelik's force until
Ras Gobana defeated them in 1888.
 … continued
Arsi
 After six different campaigns from 1882 to 1886 the
Arsi resistance was suppressed by the forces of Ras
Darge Sahla Selassie at the battle of Azule on 6
September 1886.
Hararghe
 The Harari and the Oromo attempted to resist
Menelik's expansion. The resistance was crushed at the
battle of Chelenqo on 6 January 1887.
 Dejjach (later Ras) Mekonnen Welde-Mikael was
appointed as governor of the province.
2ND PHASE (1889-1896)
 This was an expansion after Menelik II became an emperor up to the
battle of Adwa.
 This phase was facilitated by: The Great Famine or Kefu-Qan
(1888-92) and War with Italians
 Starting from 1889 up to 1894, areas like Dawuro, Konta, Kambata,
Bale, Sidama, Gamo Gofa and Wolaita were incorporated.
 Wolayta was incorporated after bloodiest war with the last king of
Wolayta called Kawo Tona in 1894.
3RD PHASE (1896-1900)
 The regions of Gedio, Konso, Benishangul, Gambella, Kefa and
Borona were incorporated in this stage.
 In 1897, Kefa was incorporated after the forces of Tato Gaki
Sherocho (the last king of Kafa) were defeated by Menilek’s army
led by Ras Welde Giyorgis.
Exercise 3.2
1. What are the factors that facilitated the three phase
territorial expansion conducted by Menelik II?
2. Who was a childhood friend and military commander of
Menelik that helped Menelik incorporate Shewa Oromo and
Gibe Oromo states?
3. identify the states and people that submit to Menelik
peacefully.
4. The last ruler of the kingdom of Wolaita and Keffa were
__________ and _________.
 Boundary Delimitation
 On 20 March 1897 the boundary between Ethiopia and
French Somaliland (Djibouti) was delimited.
 In May 1897 delimitation with British Somaliland.
 On 10 July 1900, delimitation with Italian Eritrea.
 On 15 May 1902 with Anglo-Egyptian Sudan.
 In 1907 with the British East Africa (Kenya).
 In 1908 with Italian Somaliland.
 The delimitation on the map was not followed by
demarcation on the ground.
Administrative Reforms and Technologies introduced by
Menelik II
 Bank of Abyssinia in 1905;
 Menelik II school in 1908;
 modern postal system,
 signed the agreement and initiated work that established
the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway with the French in
1894,
 introduced electricity, telephone, telegraph, motor car,
modern plumbing.
 He also started to mint a coin to replace the Maria Theresa
Thaler.
External Aggressions and the Unity of Ethiopian People
in Defense of National Sovereignty, 1871-1896
TEWODROS II
 Tewodros II seeks technical support of Europe, particularly that of
Britain so as to defeat the Egyptian and modernize Ethiopia.
 In 1862, Tewodros sent a letter to Queen Victoria of Great Britain
requesting military assistance through Consul Cameron.
 Cameron came back to Ethiopia via Egypt without any response.
 Tewodros held Cameron responsible and arrested other Europeans.
 The British send military expedition to get the release of captives and
punish Tewodros II.
 At the battle of Aroghe, in April 10, 1968 the British force led by
colonel R. Napier defeated Tewodros II’s army led by Fitawrari Gebrye.
 On the next day, April 11, 1968 he released European captives.
 Three days later British stormed Meqdela and the emperor took is life
instead of surrender.
 Yohannes IV and Egypt
 The Egyptians had the ambition to control the source of
the Blue Nile.
 In 1875, Khedive Ismail Pasha, the Egyptian leader, sent
his troops to invade Ethiopia in three directions.
 The First was the Zeila front led by Mohammed Rauf
Pasha which resulted in the occupation of the Harar
Emirate (1875 to 1885).
 The second front was led by Werner Munzinger started
from the direction of Tajura (Djibouti) to control Shewa.
But, Egyptians were annihilated by the Afars.
 The third front Colonel Arendrup and Arakel Bey led
another 2,000 well-armed troops through Massawa.
 Emperor Yohannes IV and his General Ras Alula
mobilized about 20,000 troops.
 At the Battle of Gundat (16 November 1875), the
Egyptian troops were severely defeated.
 The army was composed of 15,000 troops under the
command of Muhammad Ratib Pasha.
 Yohannes IV mobilized around 50,000 troops under the
command of Ras Alula Aba Nega.
 At the battle of Gura (7–9 March 1876), Ethiopia once
again defeated Egypt.
 The military victory was no followed by peace and
restoration of invaded territories.
 YOHANNES IV and ITALY
 Italian private shipping company (Rubatino) bought the
port of Assab from the local chiefs in 1869.
 The port was transferred to the Italian government in
1882.
 Great Britain secretly transferred Massawa from Egypt to
Italy in 1885.
 Using these bases as a springboard, Italy began
penetrating northern Ethiopia, Mereb Melash.
 At the battle of Dogali on January 26 1887, Italians were
defeated by Ras Alula Aba Nega.
 To stop the Italian incursion in the north, Emperor
Yohannes made a national call.
 YOHANNES IV and MAHADIST SUDAN
 The Mahdist drove Egyptian occupiers out and encircled the
remaining Egyptian troops in the Kassala area of Eastern
Sudan.
 The British brokered a treaty known as the Hewett Treaty
(Adwa treaty) between Ethiopia and Egypt on Oct. 1884.
According to the Hewett Treaty:
 Ethiopia agreed to facilitate the evacuation of Egyptian
soldiers.
 British agreed to let Ethiopia use Massawa to import
commodities including firearms.
 It was the main cause for the clashes between the Mahdists
of Sudan and Ethiopian forces that lasted from 1885 to
1889.
 .

 At the battle of Kufit in September 1885, Ras Alula

Engeda defeated the Mahadist force led by Utman Digna.
 In January 1887, Nigus Tekle-Haymanot of Gojjam
repulsed the Mahdist.
 A year later, the Mahdists led by Abu Anja, defeated
Nigus Tekle-Haimanot’s troops at Sar Wuha in Dembia.
 Menelik repulsed the Mahdist at the battle of Gute Dili
(Wollega) in 1888.
 At the end of his reign, Emperor Yohannes faced with
triangular tension.
 On March 9 1889, the emperor marched to Metemma
where died fighting the Mahdist.
Exercise 3.3
1. _______ and __________ were the last places remembered
with the history of Tewodros II and Yohannes IV?
2. Italy used ____ and ____ ports as a springboard to
penetrate in to the heartland of Ethiopia.
3. Who was the prominent military commander during the
reign of Yohannes IV who defeated Emperor Tekle-
Giyorgis, the Mahdist and Egyptians.
4. _______ and ______ were battles that emperor yohannes
IV defeated Egyptians and led to the end of Egyptians
ambition to control the source of the blue Nile.
 MENELIK II AND ITALY
WUCHALE TREATY (2 May 1889 )
 Signed between Ethiopia (Negus Menelik) and Italy to
promote friendship and trade between the two countries in
the town of Wuchale (Wollo).
 There was slight, but crucial difference between the
Amharic and Italian version on Article XVII of the treaty.
 Menelik II unilaterally abrogated the treaty in 1893.
 the Italians crossed the Mereb River, arrived at Adigrat,
and proceeded to Amba-Alage.
 Following this, Menelik II call for a mobilization.
 About 100,000 troops from every part of the country
gathered at Were-Illu (in today’s South Wollo).
A force led by Fitawrari Gebeyehu Gurmu defeated the
Italians at Amba-Alage and forced them to retreat to
Mekelle.
 In January 1896, under the leadership of Ras Mekonnen, the
Ethiopian forces defeated the Italians at Mekelle.
The Siege of Mekelle
 At Mekelle, they came under siege that prevented their
access to a stream, which they used for drinking.
 The strategy was commonly called the “siege of Mekelle”
and was designed by Empress Taytu.
 After some negotiations, the besieged Italian troops were
set free and left Mekelle.
Etege Taytu (berhan ze-Ethiopia)
 The Battle of Adwa
 The last and decisive phase of the war was fought at
Adwa on March 1 1896.
 The Ethiopian forces were led by Emperor Menelik II,
Empress Taytu and war generals like Ras Mikael, Ras
Mekonnen, Ras Alula, Ras Mengesha and Nigus Tekle-
Haymanot.
 The result of this battle was a remarkable victory for
Ethiopians.
 At this battle, about 8,000 Italian fighters were killed,
1,500 wounded, and 3,000 were captured.
 On the Ethiopian side, about 4,000-6,000 troops are said
to have been killed.
 The Consequences Of Adwa
 Italians retreated and cleared from all Tigre territory.
 The great powers of the world recognized Ethiopia as an
independent and sovereign state.
 The first country to do so was Italy itself.
 By the treaty of Addis Ababa signed on October 26, 1896,
and which concluded the war, Italy recognized the
independence of Ethiopia.
 Following the footsteps of Italy, other great powers
including France, Britain Turkey, Russia, USA and other
accepted Ethiopia's sovereignty and opened their legations
in Ethiopia.
 The victory has since served as a symbol of unity,
independence and national pride for all Ethiopians.
 … continued

 For black people who were fighting for their freedom and
independence across the world, Adwa served as a source of
pride and motivation
 In Italy, too, the defeat led to the collapse of the government
of Premier Francesco Crispi.
 The Inception of Power Struggle Among the Ruling Elites
1906 to 1935
Ethiopia entered the 20th century politically stable and
victorious over colonial aggressions.
Historical problems of the 1906 were:
1. Menelik's illness. In 1906, Menelik suffered a stroke and
unable gave effective leadership.
2. The death of Ras Mekonnen Welde-Michael; cousin of
the Emperor and the would be successor.
These created
I. the issue of succession has arisen, and
II. revival of foreign threats.
 Tripartite Treaty
 The United Kingdom, France, and Italy, signed a Tripartite
Treaty in 1906, assuming that Ethiopia would fall into
disorder if Menelik II died.
According to the pact
1. British interest and her sphere of influence was the Nile
basin
2. French deafened her Interest in Djibouti Addis Ababa rail
way.
3. Italian Interest was to construct a railway that links her
colonies of Eritrea and Somaliland.
 Menelik II’s response
Menelik II take the following measures to address these
problems.
1. He wrote a letter to the signatories of the Tripartite
Treaty in which he underlined the need to maintain the
unity and independence of his country.
2. He established Council of Minister, in 1907 with the
aim of ensuring the normal running of his government.
3. In May 1909 Menelik II officially announced Lij Iyasu
as his heir under the regent of Ras Tessema Nadew.
 Thiscondition created power struggle between Taytu,
Emperor's wife, and the Shewa nobilities. Taytu need
Zewditu to be the successor than Lij Iyasu.
.
Lij Iyasu and Ras Tessema Nadew
Lij Iyasu, Modernization, Reformation and End of His Reign
 Addis Ababa's first police force (Trumbulle)
 He tried to reform property ownership and taxation,
 Outlawed lebashay and Quragna.
 He introduced an "Auditing System" meant to protect public
property.
 Lij Iyasu was deposed on September 27, 1916.
 Iyasu headed towards the capital but his opponents and Iyasu men
met and he was defeated at Mieso, near Asebe Tafari (Chiro) town.
 Ras Michael fought at the battle of Segele, near Sheno town with the
central government.
 But he was defeated by Ras Teferi and capture, on 27 October 1916.
 He died in prison two years later.
The Reign of Empress Zewditu (1916-1930)
 The Reign of Empress Zewditu
The characteristics of Zewditu's reign
1. Diarchy - the period of dual rule between 1916 and 1930.
Princess Zewditu Menelik was crowned Empress of Ethiopia on
February 11, 1917 and Dejjach Teferi Mekonnen (now Ras) named
successor to the throne.
2. An ongoing dispute between conservative (represented by
Zewditu) and the progressive (led by Ras Teferi Mekonnen).
I. The conservatives consisted of the old nobility including
Fitawrari Habte Giyorgis, Abune Matheos and Balcha Safo.
 The aim of this group was to defend the old social, economic,
political and religious order.
II. The progressives consisted of the commercial strata, the young
and educated as well as the enlighten nobility.
 Criticized a feudal order, heavy taxation, corruption and slavery.
 … continued
3. Ras Teferi eliminated his opponents
 The expulsion of members of the council of ministers in 1918, with
the exception of Habte-Giyorgis Dinagde.
 Habte Giyorgis Dinagde and Abune Matheos died peacefully in
December 1926, putting an end to their silent struggle.
 Balcha Safo removed from Sidamo in February 1928 following his
refusal to accept orders from the center.
 On September 1928 aba Wuqawe rebelled and fortified on the
palace ground. The mutiny was crushed through Zewditu interference.
 Zewditu promoted Ras Teferi to kingship status on September 22,
1928.
 October 6 Ras Teferi was crowned as Negus with full power.
 Ras Gugsa Wolle was defeated by Ras Teferi Mekonnen at the
Battle of Anchim in 1930. Two days later empress Zewditu died.
 The Reign of Haile-Selassie I (1930-1974)
.
Reforms and modernizations introduced by Emperor Haile-
Selassie I (1916-1935)
1. He imported 2 printing machines (Birhan ena Selam).
2. Modern education was expanded.
3. In 1923, Ethiopia became the member of the League of Nations.
4. Slavery and forced labour was abolished in 1924.
5. The rail way and air plane was introduced in 1917 and 1929
respectively.
6. The formation of National Army
 In 1930, the Belgian officers began training the Imperial Bodyguard.
 In 1934, the first officer training school was established at Holeta,
west of the capital, by a Swedish military mission.
 The training program was disrupted by the Italian invasion and the
trainee began to make history as passionate patriots.
Imperial Bodyguard
7. The promulgation of the 1931 constitution
The reason for the Introduction of The first written constitution in
the history of Ethiopia was:
1. Regulating the relation between the monarchy and nobility;
2. To demonstrate interest to modernization.
3. To establish friendly relations with foreign powers
4. To keep" fair rule" and guarantee" justice" for the people
The features of the 1931 constitution
1. The constitution granted the emperor the power to make
appointments and dismiss officials, administering justice, declare
and end wars, and grant lands and honors.
2. Centralized administration. All provinces lost their autonomy one
after another (except Tigre, Seyoum Magnesha and Ras Gugsa Araya).
3. Established a bi-cameral parliament
4. Enumerate the rights and duties of citizens
Italian Aggression and the Patriotic Resistance (1935-1941)
The basic causes of the second Italo-Ethiopian war (1935-36) were:
1. The battle of Adwa.
2. The propaganda of fascist party.
 Mussolini came to power in 1922.
 He stimulated the colonial ambition of Italy.
 He promised Italians to bring the glory of ancient Rome by
revenging their defeat at Adwa.
 He wanted to divert the attention of the people affected by the
economic crisis hitting Italy.
Immediate cause
 Walwal incident. Walwal was a place in Ogaden region about 100
km inside Ethiopia’s territory. The Italians illegally controlled the
area.
Benito Mussolini
 … continued

 On December 5, 1934, the Italians opened a fire on Anglo-

Ethiopian border commission passing through the area.
 Italy lost 30 soldiers while about 90 soldiers killed in
Ethiopian side.
 Italy wanted reparation and apology.
 Ethiopia took the case to the League of Nations.
 The League of Nations failed to give a fair solution.
The course of the second Italo-Ethiopian war
 Italy, by crossing Mereb river invaded Ethiopia on
October 3, 1935.
 The Italians invaded Ethiopia in two fronts, i.e. from the
north and south.
 The Italian front
1. Northern front
 Launched from Eritrea.
 Led by Emilio De Bono and later by Pietro Badoglio.
 Italy used 300 airplanes to shower Ethiopians with internationally
outlawed poisonous gas and bomb.
 Ambaradom, Temben (1st and 2nd ) and Maichew were the main
battles were Italy defeated Ethiopia.
 Pietro Badoglio controlled Addis Ababa on May 5, 1936.
2. Southern front
 launched from Italian Somaliland.
 Led by Marshal Rodolfo Grazziani.
 Italy used 100 airplanes to drop mustard gas and bomb.
 Grazziani controlled Harar on May 8, 1936.
.
 The Ethiopian counter offensive
 Ethiopian counter offensive came too late because:
1. Ethiopia trusted the LN & the international community and hoped
fair justice against Italy.
2. Stretching the Italian line of supply.
Ethiopia’s plan of counter offensive was organized in two fronts:
North front
 Commanded by Ras Kassa Hailu.
It was organized in three directions;
1. East direction-commanded by Ras Mulugeta Yigezu, who later
defeated at the battle of Amba-Aradom.
2. Central direction- commanded by Ras Kassa and Ras Seyoum
Mengesha, who later defeated at the battle of Temben.
 … continued
3. West direction- commanded by Ras Imiru Haile-Selassie, whose
army won temporary victory at the battle of shire.
 Emperor Haile-Selassie and his better army was involved in this
direction. The imperial bodyguard was defeated at the battle of
Maichew on March 31, 1936.
 After this battle the emperor with some notable nobilities fled to
Europe to continue their struggle diplomatically.
 The exiled government was assigned at Gore under the viceroy of
Ras Imru Haile-Selassie (the leader of Black Lion Patriots
Association).
Southern front
Commanded by:
 Dejjach Nessibu Ze-Amanuel Dejjach Desta Dametew
 Dejjach Balcha Safo Dejjach Mekonnen Endalkachew
 …continued
 This front was well organized than the northern but, was easily
defeated by Rodolf Grazziani.
Reasons for Italian success
 Italian military superiority
 The use of poison gas
 The arm embargo of the LN
 The collaboration of Banda’ including Dejjach Haile-Selassie Gugsa
of Tigre.
 Italians had well-experienced and professional army commanders
and troops
 The numerical superiority of Italians
 The lack of coordination, military skill and organization among
Ethiopians.
 The Period of Italian Fascist Rule in Ethiopia from 1936-
1941 and Patriotic resistance
 The Italians established Italian East Africa (IEA) encompassing
Eritrea, Somalia and Ethiopia as one colonial units.
 IEA was governed by initially by Badoglio, then by Grazziani, and
lastly by Amadeo Umberto D'aosta.
 The IEA Empire had six administrative divisions, namely:
1. Ogaden and Somalia with the capital Mogadishu;
2. Eritrea and Tigre with capital city Asmara;
3. Begemedir, Gojjam, Wollo and North Shewa with the capital
Gonder;
4. Shewa with the capital Addis Ababa;
5. Oromo and Sidamo with the capital Jimma;
6. Harar and Dire-Dawa with the capital Harar.
Ethiopian Patriots
The Period of Patriotic Resistance (1936-1941)

 The Ethiopian patriotic resistance against the Italian rule had two
phases:
1. The first phase of patriotic resistance (1935-1937)
 The continuity of the major war and it lasted up to 1937.
 Led by upper nobilities like: Ras Emiru Hail-Selassie (the
designated viceroy of the emperor, in exile after 1936, which
was founded in Gore, Illubabur and the leader of Black Lion
Organization)
 This organization was founded in 1936 and consisted of
graduates of the Holeta Military Academy and some other
civilians.
 In 1936 Ras Emiru attempted to liberate Addis Ababa; however
this attempt was not successful. Ras Emiru was caught and
deported to Italy.
 … continued
 the 2nd attempt to liberate of Addis Ababa was organized
by Dejazmach Abera, Dejach Asfawossen Kasa,
Dejazmach Balcha Safo, Ras Abebe Aregay, and
Dejazmach Fikremariam was failed.
 The unifying figure of the attack, Abune Petros was
caught and executed in Addis Abeba;
 Moges Asgedom and Aberham Deboch attempted a failed
operation to kill Grazziani. In response to this operation
Grazziani killed 30,000 Ethiopians.
 The massacre targeted chiefly educated Ethiopians and
church leaders.
 This event marked the beginning of the second phase of
the resistance.
 … continued
2. The 2nd Phase of the Patriotic resistance (1937-1941) :
 Led by lesser nobilities and local notables, like Abebe
Aregay of Shewa, Gresu Duki of Shewa, Bekele Weyo of
Gojjam, Amoral Wubeneh of Gonder, Haile Mariam
Mamo of Shewa, Belay Zeleka of Gojjam, etc.
 The resistance was strong in the region of Shewa, Gojjam
and Bagameder;
 It was characterized by guerilla warfare, surprise attack
and sometimes direct confrontation.
 Prominent examples of women in the patriotic resistance
movement were:
 Shewareged Gedle of Addis Alem and Kebedech Seyoum
of Shewa.
 ... continued
 Yewust Arbegnioch- (inner patriots) Peoples who lived
with the Italians as a spy to pass use full information to
the patriots in the fronts.
 They collected arms and rations and deliver to patriots.
The Liberation of Ethiopia and the Restoration of the
Monarchy
 The liberation of Ethiopia was achieved by the combined
efforts of internal and external forces.
 In June 1940, Italy entered World War II on the side of
Germany.
 This incident led to the British military intervention in the
liberation campaign of Ethiopia.
 Britain believed that military involvement would defend
her colonial interest in Africa. So the Anglo-Ethiopian
liberation campaign was launched from the following three
directions:
 Eritrea:-the British army in this direction was led by the
General William Platt.
 Sudan: -in this direction the two British officers Major
General Orde Charles Wingate and Brigadier General
Daniel Sanford, led a joint army known as the "Gedeon
Force" with emperor Hail Selassie that entered Gojjam in
April 1941.
 Kenya:-in this direction the British force was led by
L.General Sir Allan Cunningham and controlled Addis
Ababa on 6 April, 1941. On May, 1941 the emperor entered
in to his capital and officially hoisted his Ethiopian flag.
Ethiopian patriots