DIGITAL STORY:BLOG FOUR
BATTLE OF ADWA
BELAY ASHINE 02/03/12

     In the 19th century most European countries fled from their land to colonized African people and get raw materials from these lands.Italy was one of the European countries that came to Ethiopia.In 1889 Menelik 2nd came to the thorne,and when he was a king the Italian government thought that he would surrender the sovereignty of them with rifles.On May 2,1889 between Menelik and Italy government signed an agreement with Menelik that he would give Adwa,Mekele,and Adigrat to Italy.Italy in return would give rifles and some other weapons,but Italy made some trick to Menelik.When they signed the agreement  was written in two languages,Amharic and Italy versions.
      The Italian version said "The emporer concents to use the Italian government for all the business he does with all the other powers or government".
      The Amharic version said "The emperor has the option to communicate with the help of the Italian government for all matters that he wants with the kings of Europe.(Reference:Haile Girma Book).
     Menelik 2nd knew that they cheated him,he rejected the treaty and refused all further of gifts from the Italians.The Italian government angered by Menelik position and ordered their troops to Ethiopia fight with Menelik.One the Italian leader, General Barateeri boasted  and said "I am going to bring Menelik  back to Rome in a cage".He dreamed and ordered 25,000 moderate  trained,and armed troops.On the other sides, Menelik assembled 196,000men(They didn't get have  military training;just civilians)
      Both troops for 45 days without battle they stayed in respective places.while they were waiting for battle almost half of their supplies were gone.
      On march 1896 the war started in full force.In the battle that followed a wave of Ethiopian Soldiers and attacked the Italians.In fighting the Italians troops lost their position.This causing forced them to flee on total confusion .In the end Ethiopians won the battle.At the end of the battle 289 Italians ,2918Eurpopeans and about 2,000 Eritreans fighting for the Italians were lost lives.

      Battle of Adwa was not only Ethiopians,it was also a victory for all Africans.Battle of Adwa became symbol of pride for Africans all of the world.