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The Kingdom of Italy seeking to expand its presence in Africa went after the countries in the regions of the horn of Africa. Emperor Menelik found that Italians were trying to colonize Ethiopia by letting him and other Kings sign allegedly fake treaties. 

The most notable of these treaties is the Treaty of Wichale. In Amharic language, the article XVII of the treaty was interpreted differently from the Italian version. In Italian language it meant the King was agreeing to the declaration of an Italian protectorate over Ethiopia. It was not clearly stated this way in its translation written using Amharic language, this ambiguity caused Emperor Menelik to repel the treaty and knowing that Italians will attack them soon, he decided to prepare his men for war. 

Artistic description of the battle

With an army of more than 100,000 soldiers, King Menelik forces were unstoppable. They were well organized and had modern weapons as well. 

As King Menelik guessed, the Italians decided to use military as a way to persuade the Kings to agree to the treaty.  

Winning this war was crucial to the Italians and many thought that, losing thousands of men was acceptable, but losing Ethiopia was not. As the Italian soldiers were advancing to Adwa, they feared the strength of the Emperor Menelik Army, plus they were running low in supplies,  and so they sought to retreat. 

Italian government and other brigadiers convinced them to attack anyway, and the battle of Adwa Began. 

The Italians decided to move to the defense positions during the night of 29th February, this way they will be able to use the terrain to their advantage.

Three Italian brigades moved towards Adwa leaving one brigade camped. 

One of the brigade led by Albertone was lost and exposed itself directly to the troops led by  Ras Alula. For two hours they fought and eventually Albertone was caught.

Defeat

The Arimondi's brigade fought for three hours, but were eventually defeated by the Shewans.

The remaining troops were defeated as well and the Italians forces retreated on March 1st, 1896, marking the Victory of Adwa.

Following defeat, the Italians abandoned the Treaty of Wichale and its claim of protectorate over Ethiopia. European powers recognized the power of the Ethiopian forces and stopped the plans to colonize Ethiopia. Ethiopian historian Bahru Zewde observed that "few events in the modern period have brought Ethiopia to the attention of the world as has the victory at Adwa".

The victory also inspired many African nationalists to start their struggle for independence and decolonization. 

The Victory of Adwa is a public holiday in Ethiopia. It is celebrated at Menelik Square every year with people wearing patriotic attire and carrying Ethiopian flag. 

You might have observed that many Rastafarians, Pan-African Organizations and some African countries flags uses gold/yellow, green and red colors. These are borrowed from Ethiopian traditional flag colors.

References:

Ethiopian History: Battle of Adwa

The Campaign of Adowa and the Rise of Menelik, George Berkeley

Colonialism in Africa, Lewis Gann

Ethiopia: A New Political History

The Ethiopians, Edward Ullendorff

Liberia and Ethiopia, Akpan

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