Why Didn’t Britain or Any Other European Power Colonize Ethiopia Before 1936?

Despite its proximity and fertile lands, Ethiopia remained largely uncolonized by major European powers until 1936. This article explores the reasons behind this unique scenario and highlights the sophisticated defense strategies that protected the nation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Trade, Modernization, and Eastern Christian Monarchy

One of the key factors that prevented European powers from colonizing Ethiopia was the nation's established trade system with the Ottoman Empire. This trade relationship provided Ethiopia with relatively modern weapons for defense. Unlike other African countries that relied on outdated military tactics, Ethiopia had a literate population and organized armies that were trained along European lines. Foreign advisors, including Russians, were instrumental in enhancing Ethiopia's defensive capabilities.

For example, from 1901 to 1913, approximately 40 Ethiopian officers attended military training in Russia. Some notable individuals who were trained include Tekle Hawariat Tekle Mariyam, who would later contribute significantly to Ethiopia's constitution. These training sessions helped Ethiopians to effectively use modern arms and tactics.

Strategic Defense in the Face of Invasion

Ethiopia's military defense was a result of a well-coordinated strategy. In 1896, during the Battle of Adwa, Ethiopia successfully defended itself against Italian invaders. This battle marked a turning point in Ethiopian history, as it showcased the nation's unique defense capabilities. Several factors contributed to Ethiopia's successful resistance:

People's Unity: Emperor Menelik II rallied all the people to join the war effort, demonstrating the unity of the nation. Topographical Advantage: War leaders used the terrain to their advantage, such as blocking the water sources of the Italian army and stretching the army line to cover their territory. Human Advantage: Ethiopia mobilized about 100,000 people, significantly outnumbering the Italian 20,000. Espionage: Ethiopia had a well-organized espionage network that provided valuable information to mislead the Italians. Modern Armament: Ethiopia secretly purchased modern firearms from Russia, enhancing their defensive capabilities.

Despite these advantages, Ethiopia was unable to reclaim Eritrea from the Italians because Italy had established a more extensive base there.

The Colonial War of 1936

In 1936, Italy was better prepared for the invasion, utilizing modern artillery and even mustard gas. They managed to successfully occupy Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. However, Ethiopians did not give up easily and employed guerrilla warfare, sudden bombings, and continued espionage to resist the Italian forces.

A notable incident involved the attempted bomb assassination of General Rudolf Grazzani during his birthday celebration. This act intensified the conflict, leading to horrific atrocities by the Italians, such as the massacre of 30,000 Addis Ababa residents. Nevertheless, Ethiopia did not capitulate and eventually, with the help of the British army, Emperor Haile Selassie was able to regain control of Addis Ababa and assert his authority over the entire country.

Italy's efforts to maintain control came at a high cost, with the Italian government reportedly spending around 1 trillion lire annually to suppress the internal resistance. This strategy ultimately weakened Italy's grip on the region.

International Diplomacy and the League of Nations

Before 1936, when Italy made further attempts to colonize Ethiopia, the country had already become a founding member of the League of Nations. The League's rule stated that any member had the right to be sovereign. Ethiopia took its case to the League, but only Mexico supported it, while other countries turned a blind eye. This indifference was partly due to a secret agreement between Britain and France, allowing Italy to take control of Ethiopia to appease Mussolini.

Conclusion

The sovereignty of Ethiopia was largely maintained due to the unique combination of strategic defense, modernization, and international diplomacy. Ethiopia's ability to resist colonial powers successfully until 1936 underscores the nation's resilience and the importance of historical alliances and strategic planning.

Keywords: Ethiopia, Italian Colonialism, Battle of Adwa, League of Nations, Ethiopia's Defense Strategies