Battle of Amba Alagi (1895) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Amba Alagi
Part of the First Italo-Ethiopian War
Page from old French newspaper "Le Petit Journal" depicting Ras Makonnen at the battle of Amba Alagi
Date 7 December 1895 Location Amba Alagi, Ethiopia Result Ethiopian victory
Belligerents
Italy	Ethiopia
Commanders and leaders
Pietro Toselli  †	Ras Makonnen Fitawrari Gebeyehu Mangesha Yohannes
Strength
2,350	30,000
Casualties and losses
1,539 killed 303 wounded	276 killed 349 wounded

The Battle of Amba Alagi was an important fight during the First Italo-Ethiopian War. It happened on December 7, 1895, in Ethiopia. This battle was the first major clash between Italian forces, led by General Baratieri, and the Ethiopian army, commanded by Emperor Menelik.

What Was the Battle of Amba Alagi?

Amba Alagi was a key outpost for the Italian army. It was defended by about 2,000 Eritrean soldiers, known as Askari, under the command of Major Toselli. On that day, three important Ethiopian leaders – Ras Makonnen, Fitawrari Gebeyehu, and Ras Mengesha Yohannes – led a strong attack. Their goal was to defeat the Italian forces stationed there.

The Ethiopian Victory

The Ethiopian army first attacked a smaller group of about 350 Eritrean irregular soldiers. These soldiers could not hold their ground against the powerful Ethiopian advance. Major Toselli quickly sent two companies of Italian infantry to stop them. For a short time, it seemed like the Italians had managed to halt the attack.

However, the main Ethiopian force then launched a surprise assault on the Italian right side. This unexpected move forced Major Toselli to order a retreat. But the Ethiopians had planned well. Ras Makonnen, one of Emperor Menelik's best generals, had already positioned his troops to block the road leading back to Eritrea. This trapped the retreating Italian soldiers.

The battle ended with a clear Ethiopian victory. The Italian forces suffered heavy losses. About 1,500 Eritrean Askari soldiers were killed, along with 19 Italian officers, including Major Toselli himself. Another 300 Askari and 3 Italian officers were wounded. The Ethiopians also had casualties, with 276 killed and 349 wounded.

What Happened After the Battle?

Even though it was a big defeat for Italy, the Battle of Amba Alagi had an unexpected outcome for General Baratieri. Italy's Prime Minister, Francesco Crispi, and his government were very concerned. They quickly agreed to send more money, about 20 million lire (which was £80,000 at the time), to help the Italian army. This money was meant to prevent further disasters.

However, this extra funding eventually led to an even larger Italian defeat later on at the Battle of Adwa. The events of the war, starting with Amba Alagi, ultimately stopped Italy's plans to take over Ethiopia.