During what came to be known as the “Scramble for Africa,” hundreds of nations on the continent were overrun and colonized by relentless European powers between 1881 and 1914.
But one country remained independent.
That country is Ethiopia. Italy tried their hardest to conquer Ethiopia in the 1890s but was defeated by the resilient empire. Embarrassed by the loss, Italy retreated… until they returned in 1935 in an attempt to finish the job.
Though both Ethiopia and Italy were members of the League of Nations - whose mission was to maintain world peace - the League proved to be ineffective in protecting Ethiopia from the fascist Kingdom of Italy.
Italy’s invasion led to an all-out war - and Ethiopia NEVER gave up.
Though this Black nation was ruthlessly attacked by colonizers, they continued to fight for their independence. And in 1941, the Ethiopians triumphantly defeated the Italians.
After the victory, Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie had this to say: “With faith, courage, and a just cause, David will still beat Goliath.” It’s a message that still rings true today.