Ethiopian History: Tewodros II and Menilek II

The first Ethiopian emperor to actively pursue unification of the country, later known as Tewodros II.

The decisive battle in 1854 that established Kassa Hailu (later Tewodros II) as a dominant military force, defeating Dejazmach Wube, the ruler of Tigray.

Ethiopia's first modern school founded in 1908, during Menelik II's rule, a crucial step in modernizing education.

A crucial factor during Menilek II's reign, a devastating rinderpest epidemic that triggered a famine, resulting in the incorporation of several territories into Ethiopia.

Emperor Tewodros II's ambitious goal to transform Ethiopia's military structure into a modern and centralized force. However, he faced resistance from powerful regional rulers.

Emperor Tewodros II's ambitious plan to bring together all of Ethiopia's regions under his control. This led to widespread conflict with resistant regional leaders.

The region that initially submitted peacefully to Menelik II during his reign as King of Shewa but was eventually defeated by Hassan Enjamo in 1888, becoming part of his expanding territory.

The powerful regional leaders, known as Ras who opposed Emperor Tewodros II's efforts to centralize power in Ethiopia and establish a unified rulership.

The devastating rinderpest epidemic that swept through Ethiopia between 1888 and 1892, causing a severe famine (Kefu Qan) and leading to the incorporation of several new territories into Menelik II's expanding empire.

Menelik II's expansionist policies during his reign as King of Shewa, which involved absorbing important territories like the Tulama and Eastern Macha Oromo.

The decisive battle of 1896 where Ethiopian forces under Menelik II defeated an invading Italian army, solidifying Ethiopian independence and marking a turning point in Menelik's reign.

The first modern bank established in Ethiopia, a significant modernization effort initiated during Menelik II's reign.

Tewodros II's significant move aimed at modernizing Ethiopia and countering Egyptian influence by requesting military assistance from European powers, particularly Queen Victoria.

The crucial stage of Menilek II's expansionist efforts that included the subjugation of the Western Gurage, and eventually the inclusion of territories like Dawuro, Konta, Kambata, Bale, Sidama, GamoGofa, and Wolayta into Ethiopia.

Strengthening Ethiopia's defenses and counteracting the growing influence of Egypt, prompted Tewodros II to modernize his military, but he faced resistance from powerful regional leaders who viewed this as a threat to their power.

The forceful conquest of several regions by Menelik II's forces, including Gedeo, Borana, Konso, and Kafa, after the Battle of Adwa, solidifying his control over Ethiopia's southern and south-western territories.

The powerful regional leaders known as Ras who viewed Tewodros II's attempts to centralize Ethiopia as a threat to their own power, leading to widespread resistance and conflict.

Menelik II's strategic expansion of his empire to include territories in the west, such as Benishangul and Gambella, consolidating his control over the western regions of Ethiopia.

The British military expedition, led by Sir Robert Napier, launched in 1867 to rescue British captives held by Emperor Tewodros II, leading to the sacking of Tewodros's fortress, Magdala, in 1868, and his tragic suicide.

The territories that were peacefully incorporated into Ethiopia during Menelik II's reign as King of Shewa before he became Emperor, adding significant landmass to his burgeoning empire.

Emperor Tewodros II, in his efforts to modernize Ethiopia and counter Egypt's growing influence, reached out to Queen Victoria of Britain for military assistance but received no response, eventually leading to a conflict with British forces.

The process of defining Ethiopia's modern borders, which involved negotiations with various colonial powers between 1902 and 1908, shaping the country's geographical boundaries as we know them today.

Emperor Tewodros II's tragic end, taking his own life in 1868 following the British siege of his fortress, Magdala, marking the end of his reign and a turning point in Ethiopian history.

Emperor Menilek II's significant modernization efforts focused on enhancing Ethiopia's infrastructure, including the introduction of electricity, telephone, telegraph, motor cars, and plumbing, bringing Ethiopia into the modern era.

The construction of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway line in 1894, through an agreement with the French, a major step in improving Ethiopia's transportation infrastructure and connecting Ethiopia to the world.