A Short Tale About Ethiopia
Ethiopia stood fragile and within turmoil in the year of 1936 at war with the far superior Italian nation her future was bleak. Her inhabitants had a strong sense of nationalism and wished above all not to conquer, pillage, and prosper. No, these men and women merely wished to live on independent and free of oppression. For with oppression came sorrow, and who I ask you enjoys a life of depression? The small country would fight for freedom untill no more mwn could be mustered. Every man capable rose from slumber. Once awoken from peace with the fire of betrayal burning in their souls these men fought like demons. It was a defining feat of the modern era for Ethiopians this Italian conflict. For it would inevitably decide their fate and well being.
-=-=-=-=-=-
Ethiopia January 1 1936
The Ethiopian-Italian war fell into full swing in January of 1936 with the Ethiopians re-adjusting the position of defending troops. Movement was incurred after field marshal Selassie in the southern province of Dagabur urgently requested more divisions to aid in repelling an Italian strike anticipated in the region. It was crucial to hold off the forces at the southern border as long as possible, so as to clean up the Italians on the Northern front. Therefore evening out defense.
Two divisions of militia volunteers under major general Mulujeta franticly pushed south from their position at Makale to head his call for help. When they arrived in the area of Dagabur the expected battle was just beginning. The date was January 6 1936 and the first battle of the Ethopian-Italain War raged. Italian forces had some basic advantages in the battle. First was the tactical situation. They had approached from two different directions spreading defense thin. They were also superior in numbers in weaponry. At the same time Ethiopians benefited from having a nearby HQ, and utilizing the time before the battle to become dug into better defensive positions.
Despite the overwhelming odds against him Selassie decided to keep his position at all costs. His only thoughts were to valiantly defend the southern border while the northern coast could be liberated. As he did battle and more troops on both sides positioned for yet another engagement diplomatic affairs were progressing horribly. Ethiopian diplomats unskilled and untrained were not able to reach any sort of peace agreement with the nation of Italy. One idea that struck the Italians hard was the thought of losing a simple battle against the Ethiopians. Such a defeat would not bear well in the minds of other nation states. This uncovered sentiment made the Ethiopians even more devote to their cause, and put them in a stronger pursuit of victory.
The Battle of Dagabur *above battle**bellow some statistics*
While a diplomatic war raged it is crucial to remember the hostile one was still afoot. Though he held fast and utilized every advantage given to him Sellasie's fate was one of despair. Upon the northern front movements had been made in preparation for an Ethiopian counter attack to the hostile aggression in the south. The small army that had been positioned in Gondar was split in two chucks, so as to defend the wide front. Two militia divisions under major general Kaffa stayed put in Gondar while one infantry division under General Virgin set course south by east towards the province of Makale.
Once Virgin was in position and the two army groups had planned a course of action both of the groups began to travel north into the Italian occupied province of Asmare. Where one hostile militia division was stationed. The second battle of the Ethiopian War began on January 20 1936, but this time the Ethiopians had the upper hand. Battle was bloody business for both sides it is estimated that three native Ethiopians were killed for every one Italian. As the hours dragged by and gradually days passed the Italian forces broke down bit by bit.
Eventually both engagements came to an end the southern battle was total defeat in which all involved perished. After the battle stopped around February 4 1936 the Italians stayed put in the newly captured province not attending to another strike into enemy territory. This was due in part to their high command waiting to hear the outcome of the northern battle.
Unlike its southern counterpart the northern battle was a victory for Ethiopia. With superior tactics and numerical advantages that day was a glorious victory. Though unskilled at their task Ethiopian diplomats knew an opportunity when they saw one. They paraded the victory before their adversaries, and offered to spread the word around the world of Italian defeat. As trivial a battle as this would seem it greatly worried Italian officials as they were currently conducting negations to ally with the nation of Germany. Such news would have been a disgrace to the nation and a great roadblock towards their dreams.
Thus, when offered a peace on February 20 1936 the Italian government gave in to the offer and allowed Ethiopia to remain a free state.
Ethiopia after the war (February 26 1936) pretty close to the original, but note that my whole army is gone.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Don't really know why I wrote it, but I thought it was a nice tale to tell. I hope someone reads it.
