The Resistance of Ethiopia

Italy, France, and Britain were all trying to influence Ethiopia, but its leader, Menelik II would not have it.  He built up a large arsenal of modern weapons, that he purchased from Russia and France, ready for anything.  When reading a peace treaty from Italy, Menelik realized that there were differences in the wording between Amharic and Italian.  When he read the document he thought he was only giving up a small piece of Ethiopia, but Italy claimed all of Ethiopia as a protectorate.  Menelik declared war against Italy, and Ethiopia successfully defeated Italy and retained its independence.