March
01

Today in African History

Historical Events

Births

  • 1983 - Lupita Amondi Nyong'o, a Kenyan-Mexican actress, is born in Mexico City, Mexico.
  • 1941 - Victor Uwaifo, a Nigerian musician and writer, is born in Benin City, Nigeria.

Events

  • 2011 - Seychelle's first independent newspaper, Today in Seychelles, begins publication.
  • 1908 - Mozambique's first newspaper, O Africano!, publishes its first edition.
  • 1896 - The army of Ethiopian Emperor Menelik II wins a major victory at the Battle of Adwa, the decisive battle of the first Italo-Ethiopian War.
  • 2023 - Ruling party candidate Bola Tinubu declared the winner of Nigeria's Presidential election with 37% of the vote, amid claims of fraud from opposition parties.

Your Daily Dose of African History

Battle of Adwa

Battle of Adwa

The Battle of Adwa fought on March 1, 1896, was a pivotal event in Ethiopian history. It pitted the Ethiopian forces, led by Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu Betul, against the invading Italian army under General Oreste Baratieri. Despite being outnumbered and facing superior weaponry, the Ethiopians utilized strategic positioning and unity to achieve a decisive victory, marking the first time an African nation successfully repelled a European colonial power.
The triumph at Adwa solidified Ethiopia's status as one of the few African countries to maintain its sovereignty during the Scramble for Africa. It also served as a symbol of African resistance against imperialism, inspiring liberation movements across the continent. The battle's legacy remains deeply ingrained in Ethiopian national identity and continues to be celebrated annually as a testament to the country's resilience and independence.

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