20th century – 20th century
Ethiopia and Horn of Africa
The Italian conquest of Ethiopia began with Italy’s un declared attack from Eritrea on October 3, 1935. Italian forces captured Addis Ababa in May 1936, used superior air power and chemical weapons, and incorporated Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Italian Somaliland into one administrative unit. Ethiopian resistance continued until British and Ethiopian forces expelled the Italians, with the final surrender occurring in January 1942.
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The Story
Italy attacked Ethiopia from Eritrea on October 3, 1935, without declaring war. The League of Nations condemned Italy as the aggressor, but did not take effective action. Ethiopian forces defended themselves valiantly, yet Italy’s superior air power and use of chemical weapons enabled the invaders to defeat the imperial army during a seven-month conflict.
Italian forces entered Addis Ababa on May 5, 1936, and Italy claimed control of Ethiopia four days later. The colonial authorities united Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Italian Somaliland into a single administrative unit divided into six provinces. Resistance continued, and reprisals after an assassination attempt included the execution of 30,000 Ethiopians, including a large proportion of the younger educated population.
The occupation ended during the Second World War after Italy joined Germany and Britain sought Ethiopian cooperation against Italian forces. Haile Selassie returned to Addis Ababa with British military assistance on May 5, 1941. The last Italian troops surrendered to British and Ethiopian forces in January 1942, and the subsequent agreement confirmed Ethiopia’s sovereign status.
20th century – 20th century
Ethiopia and Horn of Africa
The Italian conquest of Ethiopia began with Italy’s un declared attack from Eritrea on October 3, 1935. Italian forces captured Addis Ababa in May 1936, used superior air power and chemical weapons, and incorporated Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Italian Somaliland into one administrative unit. Ethiopian resistance continued until British and Ethiopian forces expelled the Italians, with the final surrender occurring in January 1942.
Continue exploring
The Story
Italy attacked Ethiopia from Eritrea on October 3, 1935, without declaring war. The League of Nations condemned Italy as the aggressor, but did not take effective action. Ethiopian forces defended themselves valiantly, yet Italy’s superior air power and use of chemical weapons enabled the invaders to defeat the imperial army during a seven-month conflict.
Italian forces entered Addis Ababa on May 5, 1936, and Italy claimed control of Ethiopia four days later. The colonial authorities united Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Italian Somaliland into a single administrative unit divided into six provinces. Resistance continued, and reprisals after an assassination attempt included the execution of 30,000 Ethiopians, including a large proportion of the younger educated population.
The occupation ended during the Second World War after Italy joined Germany and Britain sought Ethiopian cooperation against Italian forces. Haile Selassie returned to Addis Ababa with British military assistance on May 5, 1941. The last Italian troops surrendered to British and Ethiopian forces in January 1942, and the subsequent agreement confirmed Ethiopia’s sovereign status.