Which of the following best describes why Ethiopia's resistance to Italian imperialism was successful?
The best description of why Ethiopia's resistance to Italian imperialism was successful is that Ethiopia had a strong central government and committed leadership.
Ethiopia's resistance to Italian imperialism was successful due to several key factors:
1. Strong leadership: Emperor Menelik II played a crucial role in organizing and leading the resistance against Italian imperialism. He modernized the Ethiopian army, forged alliances with regional chiefs, and mobilized a large force to defend the country.
2. Unity and patriotism: The Ethiopian people showed remarkable unity and patriotism in resisting the Italian invasion. They rallied behind Emperor Menelik II and fought fiercely to defend their homeland.
3. Geographic advantage: Ethiopia's challenging terrain, including mountainous areas, deep valleys, and rugged terrain, worked to their advantage. It made it difficult for the Italian forces, who were unfamiliar with the terrain, to navigate and launch effective attacks.
4. Use of modern weapons: Emperor Menelik II capitalized on the opportunity to acquire modern weapons, such as rifles and artillery, from European countries. This gave the Ethiopian forces an advantage over the Italians, who were equipped with obsolete weapons and faced a shortage of ammunition.
5. Timing and strategic maneuvers: Emperor Menelik II used strategic maneuvers and timing to his advantage. He focused on exploiting Italian weaknesses, such as their logistical challenges, and launching surprise attacks to disrupt their operations.
6. International support: Ethiopia's resistance movement received significant international support. The victory at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, where an Ethiopian army defeated the Italians, not only boosted Ethiopian morale but also garnered international recognition and support for Ethiopia's cause.
Combining these factors, Ethiopia was able to successfully resist Italian imperialism and maintain its independence, becoming the only African nation to do so during the imperialist era.