Menelik's Impact on Ethiopia

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European colonization caused devastation and humiliation towards African colonies. The imperialistic colonizers were in total dominance with their substantial amounts of power over these colonies. They had stronger militaries, and more advanced weaponry. In theory, African colonies had little to no chance of remaining independent, but remarkably, Ethiopia managed to do it. Ethiopia remained independent and prospered due to the efficient leadership that came from Emperor Menelik II. Menelik ruled during a tough time in African history, where he was confronted with many challenges; mostly having to do with European Imperialism. Menelik II successfully held off European imperialism through his uplifting of the Ethiopian economy, leading to the importation of mass amounts of firearms, using France’s interest in Ethiopia to his advantage, and defeating the Italians at the Battle of Adwa through great military strategy.
Emperor Menelik II ruled Ethiopia from 1889 to 1913, his reign took place during the colonization of Africa by Europeans. Europeans had been rapidly moving into Africa and colonizing territory, which gave Menelik no choice but to try and fight against it. The Europeans were undergoing rapid modernization; their militaries were stronger, and their technology was more advanced. In order to organise European imperialism, Germany invited all of the major European powers to the Berlin Conference. The Berlin Conference regulated colonization and trade of European countries. At this conference, Africa was divided up into territories for different European powers, in order for a country to be given these territories they had to move in and physically possess the land in which they were given. The Italians had influence in the A...

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... as an independent country and not just another African territory that is ready for colonization. As for the economy, Menelik introduced many innovations improving and modernizing Ethiopia. Menelik implemented many things such as stone buildings, paved roads, piped water and plumbing, and electricity. He established a government post office, and had concession for a railway which he later built. Menelik also made an advance in education and health through establishing many new schools and hospitals. He managed to create a press as well, along with making the first bank of Abyssinia. All of these changes were extremely beneficial for Ethiopia, which all contributed for making it a better place to live. Overall, Menelik was a superb leader who maintained Ethiopian independence, raised the status of his country and African Americans, and modernized his country as well.

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