Member-only story

The Western Press Falsely Reports the Death of Emperor Menelik II in 1896

Morris Carter

·8.7k Followers· Follow

Published in The Western Press Falsely Reports The Death Of Ethiopia S Emperor Menelik II (1896)

4 min read · 1 week before

350 View Claps

75 Respond

Save

Listen

On March 10, 1896, Western newspapers published sensational headlines announcing the death of Emperor Menelik II, ruler of Ethiopia. The reports originated from Italian sources and claimed that Menelik had succumbed to wounds sustained during a battle with Italian forces at Adwa. However, these reports turned out to be false.

The Western Press Falsely Reports the Death of Ethiopia’s Emperor Menelik II (1896)

by Joe Foster

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	141 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	6 pages

The false reports of Menelik's death sparked international concern. European powers, eager to maintain their influence in the Horn of Africa, closely monitored the situation in Ethiopia. The news of Menelik's death sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, raising concerns about the stability of the region.

Within Ethiopia, the false reports caused widespread confusion and anxiety. Menelik was a respected and revered leader, and his supposed death sent shockwaves through the country. The Ethiopian government denounced the reports as lies, but the uncertainty fueled rumors and speculation.

The origins of the false reports are unclear. Italian officials claimed that they had received reliable information from their agents in Ethiopia. However, Ethiopian sources maintained that Menelik was alive and well. The discrepancy between these accounts led to a great deal of confusion.

The truth about Menelik's fate was eventually revealed when he appeared in public in Harar in May 1896. The sight of the Emperor, alive and well, dispelled the rumors and confirmed the falsity of the reports. The Western press, forced to retract its earlier claims, expressed embarrassment and confusion.

The false reports of Menelik's death had a profound impact on Ethiopia. The incident undermined the credibility of Western sources of information and damaged the country's reputation. It also highlighted the power of propaganda and the dangers of relying on unverified reports.

The Battle of Adwa, which had occurred in March 1896, was a decisive victory for Ethiopia. The Ethiopians, under Menelik's leadership, had defeated the invading Italian forces, becoming the first African nation to defeat a European colonial power in a major war.

The false reports of Menelik's death were part of a broader campaign by the Italian government to discredit Ethiopia and justify its colonial ambitions. The Italians sought to portray Ethiopia as a weak and unstable state, incapable of defending its independence. However, the victory at Adwa shattered this myth and demonstrated the strength and resilience of the Ethiopian people.

In the aftermath of the false reports, Ethiopia emerged from the crisis as a stronger and more respected nation. Menelik's leadership and the bravery of his soldiers had earned the admiration of the world. The country's reputation for independence and self-determination remained intact.

The Western press's false reports of Emperor Menelik II's death in 1896 remain a reminder of the importance of accurate and responsible reporting. The incident highlights the dangers of relying on unverified information and the potential consequences of spreading false news.

The Western Press Falsely Reports the Death of Ethiopia’s Emperor Menelik II (1896)

by Joe Foster

4.1 out of 5