Battle of Adwa: Ethiopia Defeats Italy

On March 1, 1896, Emperor Menelik II led approximately 100,000 Ethiopian soldiers against 17,000 Italian troops under General Oreste Baratieri near Adwa in northern Ethiopia. The conflict arose from Italy's attempt to claim a protectorate over Ethiopia following disputed interpretations of the Treaty of Wuchale (1889). Italian commanders attacked at night with inadequate maps and supplies, engaging Ethiopians separately with each brigade overwhelmed. Over 6,000 Italian and colonial troops died, with roughly 3,800 captured. Italy signed the Treaty of Addis Ababa (October 1896), recognizing Ethiopia's sovereignty. Ethiopia remained one of two independent African states during the Scramble for Africa.