Emperor Tewodros II, who ruled Ethiopia from 1855 to 1868, had a foreign policy characterized by a strong desire to modernize the country and establish relationships with Western powers. He sent numerous diplomatic missions to Europe and attempted to establish a commercial treaty with Britain. Tewodros II also had an interest in establishing Ethiopia as a Christian nation and sought the help of European missionaries in achieving this goal. However, his interactions with foreign powers were often marked by conflict, including the famous siege of his fortress by British troops in 1868, which ultimately led to his downfall.
Emperor Yohannes IV, who ruled Ethiopia from 1872 to 1889, had a foreign policy that was more focused on territorial expansion and the consolidation of Ethiopian power. He fought against the expansion of Egypt and the Ottoman Empire in the region and was able to successfully defend Ethiopia's independence against both of these powers. Yohannes IV also resisted attempts by European powers to establish colonies in Ethiopia and worked to develop closer relationships with other African countries, such as Egypt and Sudan.
differences of Ethiopia's foreign policy during Emperor Tewodros ll and Emperor Yohannes lv
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