Haile Selassie’s Call to Defend Ethiopia: Resistance Against Italian Invasion

Amidst the looming threat of invasion by the Italian army, Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie delivered a stirring speech rallying his people to defend their homeland. His impassioned plea for resistance marked a critical moment in Ethiopian history, as the nation prepared to confront colonial aggression and uphold its sovereignty.

Background of the Italian Invasion

In October 1935, Italian forces, under the command of dictator Benito Mussolini, launched a full-scale invasion of Ethiopia (then Abyssinia). The invasion aimed to expand Italy’s colonial empire in East Africa and exact revenge for a previous Italian defeat at Adwa in 1896. Despite Ethiopia’s appeals to the League of Nations for support, it faced the prospect of a formidable and technologically advanced adversary.

Haile Selassie’s Speech

Facing the imminent threat of occupation, Emperor Haile Selassie addressed the League of Nations in June 1936, passionately condemning Italy’s aggression and appealing for international assistance. However, it was his earlier call to his countrymen on July 18th, 1935, that would leave an indelible mark on Ethiopian history. In his speech, Haile Selassie urged Ethiopians to resist the invaders with every means at their disposal, rallying their spirit of national pride and defiance.

Ethiopian Resistance

Despite facing overwhelming odds, Ethiopians rallied behind Haile Selassie’s call to arms. The resistance efforts ranged from organized military engagements to guerrilla warfare tactics, reflecting a determined effort to preserve Ethiopian independence and sovereignty. The conflict would continue for several years, marked by fierce battles and international condemnation of Italy’s use of chemical weapons and aerial bombardments.

Legacy and Significance

Haile Selassie’s steadfast leadership and his call for resistance became emblematic of Ethiopia’s struggle against colonialism and foreign domination. Although Ethiopia was eventually occupied by Italy until its liberation in 1941, the spirit of defiance and resilience embodied in Haile Selassie’s speech endured, shaping the nation’s collective memory and quest for justice.

Conclusion

The events of July 18th, 1935, with Emperor Haile Selassie’s impassioned call to defend Ethiopia against the Italian invasion, underscored the nation’s determination to resist colonial aggression and uphold its sovereignty. His leadership and courage continue to inspire generations, reflecting Ethiopia’s enduring commitment to independence and national unity in the face of adversity.

Sources

Encyclopædia Britannica. “Haile Selassie I.” Encyclopædia Britannica, www.britannica.com/biography/Haile-Selassie-I.

Library of Congress. “Abyssinia Crisis.” Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/collections/haile-selassie-ii-and-ethiopian-italian-war-1935-to-1941/.