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The Italian Occupation of Ethiopia: The Second Italo-Ethiopian War

27 August 2023


Back in time, in the heart of Africa, there was a clash of nations and a fight for independence. The Italian occupation of Ethiopia, also known as the Second Italo-Ethiopian War (the first being the battle of Adwa, in which Ethiopia soundly defeated Italy), is a fascinating chapter in Ethiopian history that reveals the Ethiopian people's resilience and spirit. This article will look at the causes, battles, and long-term effects of this conflict. Join us on a historical journey as we uncover tales of bravery and resistance in the face of foreign aggression.


The Second Italo-Ethiopian War The Second Italo-Ethiopian War

Historical Background

The Second Italo-Ethiopian War, also known as the Second Italo-Abyssinian War, was a conflict that lasted from October 1935 to February 1937 between Italy and Ethiopia. It is known as the Italian Invasion in Ethiopia and the Ethiopian War in Italy. Before delving into the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, it's critical to understand Italy's obsession with Ethiopia. Italy, like other European powers, had colonial ambitions in the late nineteenth century, during a period known historically as The Scramble for Africa, when European powers were colonizing African nations. Ethiopia, as one of the few independent African nations, became an appealing target for Italy. Although the first Italo-Ethiopian War, known as the Battle of Adwa, is covered in greater detail in our other article, let's go over it briefly for clarity.

Italy's interest in Ethiopia and the Treaty of Wuchale

Tensions between Italy and Ethiopia started escalating when the two powers signed the Treaty of Wuchale in 1889. This treaty had an ambiguous clause that Italy interpreted as granting them control over Ethiopia's foreign affairs. However, Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia disputed that interpretation, leading to a conflict of interests between the two nations.

Pre-war tensions and conflicts

As a result of the disputed treaty, Italy and Ethiopia experienced growing tensions. Italy began to increase its presence in neighboring Eritrea and Somalia, which further fueled Ethiopian concerns about Italian expansionism. In 1895, the conflict reached a breaking point when Ethiopia resisted Italian attempts to establish control over the town of Harrar. This event marked the beginning of what would later escalate into the Second Italo-Ethiopian War. Also read - Ethiopian History: 13 Important Events That Shaped the Country

Emperor Menelik II and Ethiopia's resistance against colonization


Atse Menelik II Atse Menelik II

Emperor Menelik II played a crucial role in Ethiopia's resistance against colonization. He recognized the threats posed by Italy and took steps to strengthen Ethiopia's military capabilities. In 1896, the Battle of Adwa became a significant turning point in Ethiopian history. Emperor Menelik II's forces, despite being outnumbered and underestimated, decisively defeated the Italian army.


Uncolonized African nations - Ethiopia Uncolonized African nations -  Ethiopia

This victory not only secured Ethiopia's independence but also shattered the myth of European invincibility in Africa. The battle showcased the courage and determination of the Ethiopian people in defending their sovereignty and became a symbol of African resistance against colonialism. Understanding the historical background of the Italian occupation of Ethiopia sets the stage for comprehending the events and significance of the Second Italo-Ethiopian War. It highlights the clash between Italy's colonial ambitions and Ethiopia's unwavering determination to remain independent.

The Second Italo-Ethiopian War

Causes and motivations behind Italy's invasion

The Second Italo-Ethiopian War, which took place from 1935 to 1936, was primarily driven by Italy's desire for revenge and expansion. Italy's defeat at the Battle of Adwa in 1896 had left a deep sense of humiliation and a longing for redemption. Under the leadership of Benito Mussolini, Italy's fascist government sought to revive the glory of the Roman Empire and establish Italy as a major colonial power.


Benito Mussolini of Italy Benito Mussolini of Italy

Mussolini saw Ethiopia as a vulnerable target for expansion and sought to avenge Italy's previous defeat while securing new territories.

Initial Italian advances and Ethiopian resistance

Without making a formal declaration of war, 200,000 soldiers of the Italian Army under the command of Marshal Emilio De Bono launched an attack from Eritrea on October 3, 1935. A small force led by General Rodolfo Graziani launched an attack from Italian Somalia at the same time. Adwa, a symbolic location for the Italian army due to their defeat there during the First Italo-Ethiopian War, was taken on October 6.


General Rodolfo Graziani of Italy General Rodolfo Graziani of Italy

Axum obelisk was torn from its location and sent to Rome to be placed symbolically in front of the Ministry of Colonies building after Italian troops captured Aksum on October 15. Italian troops quickly advanced into Ethiopian territory, using modern weaponry such as tanks, aircraft, and chemical weapons. Despite the initial setbacks, Emperor Haile Selassie, who had ascended to the throne in 1930, rallied the Ethiopian people and led the resistance against the Italian invasion.


Axum Obelisk in Rome, Italy Axum Obelisk in Rome, Italy

Ethiopian forces, though outnumbered and lacking modern weaponry, displayed remarkable bravery and resourcefulness.

Key battles and turning points of the war

The Battle of Maychew in 1936 was a significant turning point in the war. Ethiopian forces, led by Ras Kassa Haile Darge and Ras Seyoum Mangasha, successfully halted the Italian advance for weeks and inflicted heavy casualties on the invaders. However, Italy's technological superiority and the use of chemical weapons, such as mustard gas, began to take their toll on the Ethiopian resistance. The Battle of Maychew marked a temporary setback for Italy, but they soon regained momentum.

Italian atrocities and use of chemical weapons


Italian soldiers with Chemical weapon Italian soldiers with Chemical weapon

During the war, Italy committed numerous atrocities against the Ethiopian population. They indiscriminately bombed cities, villages, and civilian infrastructure, causing immense suffering and loss of life. Italian forces also targeted cultural and religious sites, further deepening the scars of occupation. Furthermore, the use of chemical weapons by Italy, particularly mustard gas, resulted in widespread devastation and long-lasting health consequences for both soldiers and civilians. These brutal tactics displayed Italy's disregard for human life and their determination to crush Ethiopian resistance.

International response and League of Nations involvement

The international response to the Second Italo-Ethiopian War was mixed. While many nations expressed concern and condemnation for Italy's aggression, few took concrete actions to stop the invasion. Ethiopia appealed to the League of Nations, an international organization aimed at maintaining peace and security, for assistance. However, the League's response was ineffective, with economic sanctions imposed on Italy proving insufficient to halt their aggression. The lack of substantial international intervention allowed Italy to continue its occupation of Ethiopia, ultimately leading to the establishment of Italian East Africa.

Ethiopian Resistance and Liberation


Atse Haileselassie making a speech Atse Haileselassie making a speech

Haile Selassie's exile and international efforts for Ethiopian independence

After Italy's occupation of Ethiopia, Emperor Haile Selassie, the revered leader of the Ethiopian people, was forced into exile. Despite being away from his homeland, Haile Selassie tirelessly worked to rally international support for Ethiopian independence. He advocated for Ethiopia's cause at the League of Nations, urging member countries to take action against Italy's aggression.

Ethiopian Patriots and the fight against Italian occupation


Arbegnoch - Ethiopian Patriots Arbegnoch - Ethiopian Patriots

Within Ethiopia, a strong resistance movement emerged against the Italian occupiers. Ethiopian Patriots, consisting of civilians, soldiers, and guerilla fighters, organized themselves to resist Italian rule. They engaged in acts of sabotage, intelligence gathering, and guerrilla warfare tactics to disrupt Italian control and undermine their authority. These Ethiopian Patriots operated in small groups, utilizing their knowledge of the local terrain and the support of sympathetic communities. They carried out ambushes, sabotaged Italian supply lines, and conducted hit-and-run attacks to weaken the occupiers. One event that will always be remembered from the time of the Italian occupation of Ethiopia is Yekatit 12. Yekatit 12, also known as the Addis Ababa Massacre, was a tragic event that took place in Ethiopia on February 19, 1937, during the Italian occupation. The massacre occurred when Italian armed forces, under the command of Rodolfo Graziani, launched a devastating attack on Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. The assault was a response to an attempted assassination of Graziani, which he blamed on Ethiopian rebels, Abriha Deboch and Moges Asgedom. During the attack, Italian forces unleashed a wave of violence and destruction upon the city. They targeted Ethiopian intellectuals, professionals, and community leaders, aiming to eliminate potential sources of resistance and crush Ethiopian nationalism. The indiscriminate killing resulted in the deaths of estimated 30,000 innocent Ethiopian civilians. Yekatit 12 remains a painful chapter in Ethiopian history, symbolizing the atrocities committed by the Italian occupiers. The date, Yekatit 12 in the Ethiopian calendar, has come to represent a collective memory of resilience, sacrifice, and the struggle for freedom. The Addis Ababa Massacre stands as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by the Ethiopian people and their enduring spirit in the face of oppression. It serves as a call to remember the sacrifices made by those who fought for Ethiopian independence and to honor their memory. Today, Yekatit 12 is commemorated in Ethiopia as a National Day of Remembrance, providing an opportunity for reflection, mourning, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding the nation's freedom and sovereignty.


Yekatit 12 is a monument in Addis Ababa Yekatit 12 is a monument in Addis Ababa

It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the memory of historical events to ensure that such atrocities are not repeated and that justice and peace prevail. The Patriots' bravery and determination inspired hope and rallied the Ethiopian people to continue their resistance against Italian oppression.

Allied forces' role in liberating Ethiopia

During World War II, Italy's fortunes changed as Allied forces launched campaigns to liberate territories under Axis control. In 1941, British and Ethiopian forces, with the support of other Allied nations, launched a military offensive known as the East African Campaign. The Allied forces, led by British General Sir Alan Cunningham, worked alongside Ethiopian Patriots to liberate Ethiopia from Italian occupation. They engaged in fierce battles against Italian troops and successfully pushed them out of Ethiopian territory. In May 1941, Emperor Haile Selassie triumphantly returned to Ethiopia, welcomed by jubilant crowds and a nation eager to regain its independence. The combined efforts of Ethiopian Patriots and Allied forces played a crucial role in liberating Ethiopia from Italian occupation, restoring Emperor Haile Selassie to power, and reestablishing Ethiopia's sovereignty. The resistance and liberation of Ethiopia demonstrated the resilience and unity of the Ethiopian people in the face of adversity. It serves as a testament to the unwavering spirit of freedom and the determination to protect their homeland.

Italian Occupation of Ethiopia and Its Impact



The Italian occupation of Ethiopia following the Second Italo-Ethiopian War had profound consequences for the country and its people. Let’s look at some major ones;

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