The Treaty of Wuchale was signed in 1889 between Menelik II, the Emperor of Ethiopia, and representatives of the Italian government. This treaty was pivotal as it purportedly recognized Italian control over Eritrea, granting Italy the status of a protectorate over Ethiopia. The primary motivation behind the treaty from Italy's side was to secure its colonial foothold in East Africa and to benefit from Ethiopia’s rich resources and strategic location. Menelik II, on his part, sought to bolster his empire by gaining a powerful ally against European encroachment on African territories, believing that acknowledgment of Italy's influence would provide Ethiopia with a buffer against potential invasions. However, differing interpretations of the treaty’s provisions, particularly regarding Ethiopia's autonomy, soon led to tensions. Notably, the Italian version included stipulations that undermined Ethiopian sovereignty, whereas the Amharic version presented by Menelik II retained Ethiopia's independence. This discrepancy would later serve as a significant factor in the escalation of conflicts between the two nations, particularly evident during the First Italo-Ethiopian War.