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The National Unity Created By Menelik II

Menelik II was an excellent leader who was able to rally an entire nation together to fend off the Europeans. Drawing on the proud spirit of the Ethiopian people and their battle hardened warriors, Menelik was able to repel the Italians. Menelik was a brilliant leader who used his distinguished lineage to garner enough support to become Emperor despite not being next in line. Menelik brought together warriors not only from the far reaches of the empire, but also from warring peoples, like the Amhara and the Oromo, different religions, and cultures. At the deciding battle of the war, the Battle of Adwa, the army consisted of many different tribes and religions, united for a common purpose. The many factions were able to put away their differences and united to protect their empire. Even the son of Emperor Yohannes IV, who Menelik II took the throne from, fought under Menelik for the benefit of the Empire. Menelik did many important things to foster Ethiopian pride.

Menelik was a well respected ruler whose lineage could be traced back to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. He used that status and its power to peacefully create alliances and to conquer those who opposed him. He was such a skillful negotiator that he was able to unify almost all of the Northern, Western, and Central territories peacefully. He made Ras Mengesha Yohannes, the prince of Tigray and along with the threat of the Italians, convinced him to join him. Melenik not only conquered large groups of people like the Oromo, Guarage, and Wolayta, he also managed to incorporate leaders from those groups into his own government, and war council. Whether conquered peacefully or militarily, almost all groups had a voice under Melenik.

From 1888-1892, one third of the Ethiopian population died from what would become known as the Great Famine. On the heels of this disaster, Menelik used his relationship with the Europeans to help modernize Ethiopia. The Europeans soon flooded the Ethiopian economy looking for business opportunities. Meanwhile, Menelik established the first national bank, a national currency, a postal system, railroads, modern roads, and electricity. The bank and currency unified the people economically and helped establish economic stability. The railways, roads, and postal system connected the people and tribes as a national as well as physically. Possibly his greatest achievement in creating a national identity was through the creation of Addis Ababa. This was an important psychological component in the establishment of a nation. It provided a metaphorical ‘head’ for the nation. It became permanent location for the entire country to look upon for support and for guidance.