Geography & Identity
What continent is Ethiopia located on?
Africa
What year was the Treaty of Wuchale signed?
1889
Who was Ethiopia’s emperor from 1889 to 1913?
Emperor Menelik II.
What was the purpose of the Anglo-Ethiopian Treaty of 1897?
To define Ethiopia’s borders with British territories and confirm its independence.
Who became emperor after Menelik II and ruled from 1930 to 1974?
Haile Selassie.
What makes Ethiopia unique among most African countries during the Scramble for Africa?
It was never colonized by European powers.
When did the First Italo-Ethiopian War take place?
1895–1896
From which continents did Menelik II buy weapons?
Europe, especially from France and Russia.
Which countries signed the Tripartite Agreement of 1906?
Britain, France, and Italy.
Which international organizations did Ethiopia join under Haile Selassie?
The League of Nations and the United Nations.
Which region of Africa is Ethiopia found in?
East Africa.
Which battle took place on March 1, 1896?
The Battle of Adwa.
Name one type of infrastructure Menelik II built to modernize Ethiopia.
Railways, telegraphs, or postal systems.
How did Menelik II use treaties to protect Ethiopia’s independence?
He signed agreements with multiple powers to prevent any one from dominating Ethiopia.
What major African organization is headquartered in Addis Ababa?
The African Union.
What is the capital city of Ethiopia?
Addis Ababa.
What treaty ended the First Italo-Ethiopian War and recognized Ethiopia’s independence?
The Treaty of Addis Ababa (1896).
What was Menelik II’s main strategy to protect Ethiopia’s independence?
Combining military strength with smart diplomacy.
What did the Treaty of Addis Ababa achieve for Ethiopia?
It ended the war with Italy and recognized Ethiopia’s independence.
Why is Ethiopia seen as a symbol of African pride and unity?
It successfully resisted colonization and promoted African independence.
How did Ethiopia’s independence influence its national identity after the colonial era?
It saw itself as ancient, proud, and a symbol of African freedom.
During which years did the Italian Occupation of Ethiopia occur?
1936–1941.
How did Menelik’s modernization efforts help in the Battle of Adwa?
They gave Ethiopia a well-equipped and organized army that defeated Italy.
Why was Ethiopia seen as a “buffer state” in Africa?
Because European powers agreed to keep it independent between their colonies.
What internal challenges did Ethiopia face after staying independent?
Centralized power led to inequality and regional conflicts among ethnic groups.