MARCH 1529
When Imam Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al Ghazi, or commonly known as Gragn, defeated Lebna Dengel at Shembera Kuré in March of 1529, it became clear that he had the potential to conquer Ethiopia. Ahmad ibn Ibrahim first came to power when he killed Sultan Abu and took hold of Harar a few years prior. He gained many followers when he committed to follow in his father's foot steps and promise upheld the jihad, or Holy War. Through out his expeditions, which lasted for 14 years until his death, he would exchange captured slaves for firearms from Arabia. The firearms played a crucial role in his expedition, for by 1532 he had conquered more than half of Abyssinia. (Pankhurst 84-8)
MARCH 1896
Most European powers in the late 19th century were determined to secure territories in Africa. Italy was focusing its desires on particularly Ethiopia. The Treaty of Uccialli was negotiated between Ethiopia and Italy in 1890. Two copies, one in Amharic and one in Italian, were prepared. On the Italian version of the treaty, Francesco Crispi, prime minister of Italy, announced to all European nations that Ethiopia had become a territory belonging to Italy. On the Amharic version, it gave Menelik II the right to ask Italy for help in times of need, but it didn't say anything about Ethiopia becoming a territory of Italy. When Menelik II discovered the misunderstanding, he immediately wrote to Britain's Queen Victoria, to the ruler of Germany, and to the president of France insisting that Ethiopia was still an independent nation. In 1893, Menelik II denounced the treaty and by 1895 Ethiopia and Italy were are war. And it was on this month in 1896 that Menelik's troops crushed the Italian army at Adwa, Ethiopia. Later, Italy did recognize Ethiopia as an independent nation.
