Ethiopia and the Italians

SWBAT: explain the cause and effect of war between Ethiopia and Italy.

Homework: None

Do Now: Using the map, why might Europeans not have worked harder to colonize Ethiopia?

Who’s Leftover?

• By the late 1800s, most of Africa has been claimed by European powers.

• The only two areas left unclaimed were Ethiopia and Liberia.

• Liberia was left alone mostly due to the United States: • Since 1820, the region was colonized by African

Americans from the United States, most of whom were freed slaves.

• The US didn’t want European powers taking over freed slaves.

• Ethiopia, however, would not be so lucky.

The Beginning…

• Italy doesn’t become a country until 1871, so for the beginning of the scramble for Africa, Italy was too busy trying to put itself together to consider looking for land outside the peninsula.

• In 1870, Italy claimed its first possession, claiming parts of Eritrea.

• Italy continued its conquest to gain its "place in the sun” and turned its sights on Ethiopia, Eritrea’s neighbor.

How did the Ethiopians win?

• You will be given 2 accounts of the Battle of Adwa, one from a US textbook and one from an Ethiopian textbook.

• Read both documents and answer the corresponding questions that follow. • Make sure you answer all parts of the question.

Question

•Which account do you think is the most believable? Why?

But that doesn’t stop Italy…

• Despite losing to Ethiopia, it doesn’t stop Italy’s ambitions at carving out their own piece of the continent.

• Acquired Italian Somaliland in 1889–90 and the rest of Eritrea in 1899.

• In 1911, it engaged in a war with the Ottoman Empire, in which it acquired Libya.

Italy vs. Ethiopia: Round Two

• After Mussolini took over as Prime Minister of Italy, the country faced a lot of problems.• He felt that a war would divert attention and Ethiopia would be a good start.

• He also felt he needed to boost the regime's popularity and provide an outlet for over-population in Italy.

• Ethiopia was a prime target because it was poorly equipped, and any resistance against it would end quickly.

The Result

• Ethiopia falls to the Italians.• Between 1936 and 1941, as part of the Italian

East African Empire, Eritrea, along with Italian Somaliland, was ruled together with Ethiopia for the first time.

Effect of imperialism on Africa

• While Ethiopia was able to stall Italian aggression in Ethiopia, most African kingdoms would not be so lucky.

• In most areas, Europeans controlled all levels of government. • Europeans based this type of government on their belief that Africans were

not able to rule themselves which led to paternalism. • Europeans governed their colonies in the same way that parents guide their

children.

• Many were forced to assimilate.

Other Negative Effects

• Led to racism and apartheid. • Redrawn boundaries disrupted traditional

divisions which led to disagreements and wars between different groups.

Positive Effects of Imperialism in Africa

• New crops and new ways of farming were introduced in many areas. • Introduced new technology that made life easier.• European medicine helped people live longer and healthier lives. • Roads and railroads were built all over Africa. • Allowed African products on world markets. • Helped to improve communication in parts of Africa.

• It also helped to break down some of the barriers that had traditionally separated African peoples.

Question

• Do you think the positives outweigh the negatives, or vice versa?