One hundred and twenty-five years ago, Emperor Menelik II led Ethiopia through a turbulent time when Italian invaders attempted to colonize the sovereign nation. During a period when African nations routinely fell to foreign control, Menelik’s wise and decisive leadership thwarted colonial subjugation. What did Menelik II know and do to safeguard Ethiopia’s independence? What security and military strategies were employed to defeat the Italians? How did Menelik II manage to build, expand, and develop his country to unprecedented heights after defeating the Italians? These are the kinds of questions from which valuable lessons can be harvested.
In fact, understanding how Black people won decisive victories over time may be a critical area of study for winning again. Truth is, there are reasons why Ethiopians remained united in the face of divisive enemy tactics. There are explanations for how splinter groups managed to work together, and why bribery attempts that crippled other nations did not breach the collective Ethiopian spirit. Answers to these and similar inquiries become available through the study of history.
Click here to learn more about the man and leadership that guided Ethiopia to a stunning victory. Be inspired by what has been as an indicator of what can be.