The Battle of Adwa took place in northern Ethiopia and was a significant confrontation during the First Italo-Ethiopian War. The Ethiopian forces, under the charismatic leadership of Emperor Menelik II, faced the Italian expeditionary forces commanded by General Oreste Baratieri. The Italians entered the battle with trained and modern military capabilities but were heavily outnumbered by the Ethiopian army, which comprised local militia and soldiers united under Menelik's banner. The Ethiopians employed effective guerilla tactics and took advantage of their knowledge of the terrain, fighting from advantageous positions in the mountains around Adwa.

As the battle commenced on March 1st, fierce and protracted fighting ensued. The Ethiopian forces exhibited remarkable discipline, coordination, and morale while the Italians struggled to maintain their formation under the relentless assaults. Within a few hours, the Italian troops were overwhelmed, suffering heavy casualties and ultimately leading to a catastrophic defeat. Approximately 100,000 Ethiopian soldiers participated in the battle against around 20,000 Italian troops. The aftermath left thousands of Italians dead and captured, marking it as one of the most significant defeats for a European power in Africa.

The victory at Adwa cemented Ethiopia's independence from colonial rule, becoming a symbol of resistance for colonized nations globally. It also led to the signing of the Treaty of Addis Ababa in 1896, which recognized Ethiopia's sovereignty. This battle not only reshaped the course of Ethiopian history but also had implications for European colonial aspirations in Africa, inspiring other African nations to pursue self-determination and resist imperialism.