Why did menelik agree to give away territories to the Italians ?
Menelik II, the Emperor of Ethiopia, did not agree to give away territories to the Italians willingly. The territories in question are those in the Treaty of Wuchale, signed with Italy in 1889. However, there was a disagreement over the Italian version of the treaty, which gave Italy partial control over Ethiopia's foreign affairs and made Ethiopia an Italian protectorate. Menelik II argued that the Amharic version of the treaty did not include such provisions.
Realizing the Italian deceit, Menelik II rejected the Italian version and refused to accept Italian authority over Ethiopian affairs. As a result, tensions escalated, leading to the Battle of Adwa in 1896, where Ethiopian forces decisively defeated the Italian army. This victory solidified Ethiopia's independence and ensured that Menelik II remained in control of his territories.