reference foreign policy of menelik at the 1889-93

Answer 1

During the period of 1889-1893, Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia implemented several foreign policy strategies to protect and enhance the sovereignty and interests of his country. His key foreign policy decisions and actions during this time are as follows:

1. Treaty of Wuchale: In 1889, Menelik negotiated the Treaty of Wuchale with Italy, intending to clarify terms of the agreement and secure access to modern weapons. However, an Italian version of the treaty contained a clause that implied Ethiopian subordination to Italy, leading to a diplomatic dispute known as the Wuchale Treaty Crisis.

2. Battle of Adwa: Faced with Italian aggression and attempts to colonize Ethiopian territories, Menelik initiated military mobilization and successfully led the Ethiopian forces to victory in the Battle of Adwa in 1896. This victory is regarded as a significant milestone in African history as it remained the only decisive defeat of a European colonial power during the Scramble for Africa.

3. Expansion and Modernization: Menelik pursued a policy of territorial expansion to consolidate Ethiopian control over various provinces and ethnic groups within the country's borders. He also focused on modernizing the Ethiopian military, importing modern weaponry, and establishing factories for arms production.

4. Strengthening Diplomatic Relations: Menelik aimed to strengthen relations with European powers to prevent further encroachment on Ethiopian territory. He established diplomatic ties with other African nations, as well as countries like France, Russia, Great Britain, and Germany. This helped Ethiopia assert its sovereignty and seek potential alliances.

5. Border Disputes: Menelik dealt with border disputes with Sudan and Eritrea. He engaged in negotiations with neighboring countries to secure peaceful resolutions, avoiding major conflicts. Nevertheless, he successfully defended Ethiopia's territorial integrity and sovereignty against external pressures.

Overall, Menelik's foreign policy during the period of 1889-1893 primarily focused on safeguarding Ethiopian independence, expanding the country's influence, and ensuring peaceful relations with neighboring countries while preparing for potential threats to sovereignty.