Italo-Ethiopian War of 1887–1889

Quick Facts: Who was Italo-Ethiopian War of 1887–1889?

Subject:

Italo-Ethiopian War of 1887–1889

Known for:

Undeclared war (1887–1889) between Italy and Ethiopia over colonial ambitions.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Italo-Ethiopian War of 1887–1889 was an undeclared war between the Kingdom of Italy and the Ethiopian Empire occurring during the Italian colonization of Eritrea, then a province of the Ethiopian Empire under the name of Mereb Melash. The conflict ended with the treaty of Wuchale, which delimited the border between Ethiopia and Italian Eritrea. The treaty also contained clauses whose different interpretations led to another Italo-Ethiopian War. The Emperor Yohannes IV had to face internal resistance from his powerful vassals. King Menelik of Shewa signed a treaty of neutrality with Italy in October 1887.

Career & Major Achievements

As the Mahdist uprising in Sudan spilled over the frontier, Ethiopia was faced with a two-front war. In early 1888, Yohannes decided to prioritize fighting against the Mahdists. In March 1889, Yohannes died while he was fighting the Mahdists during the Battle of Gallabat. Menelik claimed the throne after the death of Yohannes and signed the Treaty of Wuchale with Italy in May 1889. While there is universal agreement that the war began in January 1887, historians differ about when it ended.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Some limit the war to 1887, others extend it down to the Treaty of Wuchale in 1889, and others combine it with the Italo-Ethiopian War of 1895–1896 and treat a single conflict as occurring from 1887 until 1896. The naming of the conflict also varies. It may be called the First Italo-Ethiopian War and the war of 1895–1896 as the Second Italo-Ethiopian War. Otherwise it may be identified solely by date. Italian historiography tends to group together all the fighting from 1885 until 1896.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1885: 1885 Milestone — Italian historiography tends to group together all the fighting from 1885 until 1896.
2. 1887: 1887 Milestone — The Italo-Ethiopian War of 1887–1889 was an undeclared war between the Kingdom of Italy and the Ethiopian Empire occurring during the Italian colonization of Eritrea, then a province of the Ethiopian Empire under the name of Mereb Melash.
3. 1888: 1888 Milestone — In early 1888, Yohannes decided to prioritize fighting against the Mahdists.
4. 1889: 1889 Milestone — In March 1889, Yohannes died while he was fighting the Mahdists during the Battle of Gallabat.
5. 1895: 1895 Milestone — It may be called the First Italo-Ethiopian War and the war of 1895–1896 as the Second Italo-Ethiopian War.

Notable Quotes by Italo-Ethiopian War of 1887–1889

“Who gave you permission to go and make war there? Those soldiers are not yours but mine; I shall cut off your hand.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Italo-Ethiopian War of 1887–1889

True or False: “The Treaty of Wuchale definitively ended all forms of conflict between the two nations forever.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The treaty delimited the border but contained clauses whose different interpretations led to another Italo-Ethiopian War.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alexander Archipenko — Historical peer (Born in 1887) (1887): Ukrainian-American avant-garde sculptor, pioneer of Cubist human figures.
• Alexander Borodin — Historical peer (Died in 1887) (1887): Russian Romantic composer, chemist, and physician known for 'Prince Igor' and symphonies.
• A. Philip Randolph — Historical peer (Born in 1889) (1889): Pioneer labor unionist and civil rights activist who fought for racial equality.
• Abel Gance — Historical peer (Born in 1889) (1889): French cinematic pioneer, celebrated for his mastery of montage and epic filmmaking.
• Alexander I of Yugoslavia — Historical peer (Born in 1888) (1888): King of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, and later King of Yugoslavia (1921-1934).
• Amos Bronson Alcott — Historical peer (Died in 1888) (1888): Pioneering American educator, philosopher, and advocate for human spiritual perfection.
• Abd El-Razzak El-Sanhuri — Historical peer (Born in 1895) (1895): Pioneering Egyptian jurist, celebrated for authoring the revised Civil Code of 1948.
• Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah — Historical peer (Born in 1895) (1895): Founder of modern Kuwait, he oversaw its transition to an independent state.
• A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada — Historical peer (Born in 1896) (1896): Pioneering global spread of Krishna consciousness teachings and the Hare Krishna mantra.
• Alfonso Caso — Historical peer (Born in 1896) (1896): Pioneering Mexican archaeologist renowned for pre-Columbian studies.

Frequently Asked Questions about Italo-Ethiopian War of 1887–1889