Introduction

1.1. Background of the Study

One of the most influential and prestigious rulers who had contributed greatly for the
modernization of Ethiopia was Emperor Menelik II. Although this is the belief held by the
majority, some also argue about Emperor Menelik’s accomplishments while many don’t have
an in-depth knowledge on the actions of the emperor and the conditions that the country
was in at the time. After the belief, which stated, “Ethiopians from different ethnicities and
geographical locations did not have a common history,” had emerged, it has resulted in
distrust among citizens from Ethiopia. Many do not know that the turning point in the
Ethiopian history came about during the reign of Emperor Menelik II. In addition to that
there are many misconceptions regarding the history of the emperor. It is this view based on
the wrong narrative that has led the country to famine, backwardness, problems, and
political crises due to the recurrent civil war. Therefore, we have chosen this topic to do our
part in the history of our country by disputing what is not known about Emperor Menelik.
These reasons have initiated our research team to engage in the type of research known as
qualitative research with the objective of informing the unknown regarding the subject
matter. As a result of the problems mentioned above, our research team members had
raised several questions. In addition to that, our research team tried to answer potential
questions that might be raised, specifically; What are the achievements and actions of
Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu? How did the related misconceptions begin and
what is their cause?

The act of doubting the achievements of Emperor Menelik by his own countrymen is
believed to have begun after the defeat of the Italians in 1896 during the battle of Adwa.
Prior to this battle, despite few regional rivals and oppositions, the emperor was widely
accepted by the masses. However, after their unprecedented defeat at the battle of Adwa,
the Italians had deduced that the only way that such a united nation could fall to its
enemies is by using its diversity as a means of creating division and mutual hatred amongst
nationalities. As a result, they had worked day and night to change their vision into reality.
Although they succeeded in what they have planned, it was a type of success that many had
called “a brief success”.

The successful act of dividing Ethiopians had brought about two major outcomes. First is
that a country that is divided amongst itself opens a door to its enemies. This was thought
of by the Italians to crush the resistance of Ethiopian patriots, and ultimately ruling Ethiopia
as a colony. Second is the one to be used as means of revenge. As a result of the defeat
that Italy had faced from an African nation, the reactions from the Italian crowd were a
combination of happiness and embarrassment. This joy of the Italian community came
about mainly due to the immediate downfall of Francisco Crispi’s government in Italy, who
became unpopular amongst the Italian community throughout the years. The shameful
emotions came as result of the defeat that Italy had faced from an African nation. This was
a major feat done against a colonizing nation, especially one that has never faced defeat in
other parts of the African continent including territories in Somalia and Eritrea in 1889 and
1890 respectively. Thus, the dividing action of Italy has led to endless conflicts and civil wars
in Ethiopia, which have continued until recently.

As the saying by Anthony D'Angelo goes, “when solving problems, we must dig at the roots
instead of just hacking at the leaves.” Thus, if the afore mentioned problems are not solved,
the persistent complications of the country will not be solved for what can be termed as
“eternity”.

Despite these challenges, Ethiopia has made significant progress in overcoming the effects
of the historical misconceptions that still reside to this day. In line with this, Ethiopia has
invested heavily in the development of several cultural centres, which include the recent
Adwa Museum, inaugurated by the Ethiopian government with a budget cost of round 4.6
billion ETB. In addition, Ethiopia has made efforts to facilitate mutual trust among citizens by
hosting talks amongst its people from different cultural backgrounds.

However, more research is needed to fully understand the implications of Ethiopia's modern
history and to identify effective strategies to address the related challenges.

1.2. Statement of the problem

Dating back to the 1880s, when Emperor Menelik's conquests known as "Ager Maqnat" were
succeeded by the Italians' defeat at the Battle of Adwa, many didn’t understand that
significant obstacles were to be imposed upon the future generation of Ethiopia. One of the
major problems was regarding the lack of knowledge about the history of Menelik ll, the
Emperor of Ethiopia at the time. Despite the emperor’s remarkable achievements, there was
a shortage of comprehensive historical records and academic research on the life and reign
of Menelik ll. Without proper knowledge of Menelik’s vision, intentions, and strategies,
different factions within Ethiopia had varying interpretations of his legacy. These divergent
interpretations contributed to tensions and disagreements, ultimately leading to civil wars.

In the absence of accurate historical information, competing groups within Ethiopia could
manipulate popular perceptions of Menelik ll to suit their own agendas. This manipulation
aggravated divisions and created a power struggle among different groups, leading to
internal conflicts that created instability in the nation.

The other major problem that we considered in this research is the diversified misconception
that exists about emperor Menelik ll of Ethiopia. These events have eventually led and still
lead to civil wars. One of the misconceptions was related to the emperor’s power and the
centralization of authority. Some individuals within Ethiopia perceived Menelik as a dominant
and oppressive ruler, which created dissatisfaction among various groups within the country.
Moreover, the battle of Adwa also increased the visibility of Ethiopia on the global stage,
attracting attention from other colonial powers. This attention created tensions and divisions
within the political landscape of Ethiopia. As a result, different groups emerged, each with
their own agenda and interpretations of Menelik’s rule. This further aggravated the
misconception about Menelik’s and his leadership abilities. The misconception about
Menelik’s ll as an oppressive leader eventually led to endless and devastating wars in
Ethiopia.

This research paper examines events in Ethiopia, specifically during the rise and reign of
Emperor Menelik II from 19th century to present. It aims to investigate the biographies and
related problems which arose by focusing on the following questions:

1. What is the biography of Emperor Menelik II and his wife Empress Taytu, as well as
their eternal achievements in history?
2. What are the factors that led to the successful rise to power of Emperor Menelik?
 3. How did the rule of Emperor Menelik and his achievements affect the Ethiopian
society and culture and what happened because of the emperor’s rule?
4. How did Emperor Menelik’s rule affect Ethiopia’s relations with other countries,
especially with Western powers like Italy?
5. How did Emperor Menelik II’s rule and achievements affect the political and
economic system? Or what are the consequences?

To answer these questions, this research paper uses historical documents, scholarly writings,
and cultural artifacts. It also examines a variety of primary and secondary sources. This
article examines Emperor Menelik’s reign from a broader perspective. Thus, by analysing the
challenges and opportunities faced, this research aims to provide a general understanding
on the matter.

To conclude, lack of knowledge and misconception about the emperor’s reign leads to
endless and severe wars These conflicts emerged due to power struggles, ideological
differences, and grievances among different ethnic and regional groups.

1.3. Objective of the Study

The purpose of this research paper is to provide a comprehensive analysis on the
biographies of Emperor Menelik II and his wife Empress Taytu along with their heroic and
eternal achievements from the end of the 19th century to the early beginning of the 20th
century.

Moreover, the primary objective of this study is to shed light on the lesser-known aspects of
Ethiopian history, particularly focusing on the reign of Emperor Menelik II and Empress
Taytu Betul. Through a comprehensive exploration of their achievements and struggles, this
research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the historical significance of their rule
and the impact it had on Ethiopian society. By uncovering and clarifying these historical
narratives, our research seeks to contribute to a more nuanced and comprehensive
understanding of Ethiopian history, highlighting the roles and contributions of Emperor
Menelik II and Empress Taytu Betul in shaping the cultural, political, and social landscape of
their time, as well as that of the present generations.

Specifically, this paper aims to answer the following questions:

1.4. Use of the Study

This study serves to inform Ethiopian society about the history of Emperor Menelik II and
Empress Taytu Betul, dispelling any misconceptions or uncertainties that may exist. By
providing more detail on their lives and accomplishments, this study can help bridge the gap
in historical knowledge and provide clarity to those who may have been unclear about the
contributions of these historical figures. Through accurate and detailed information, the
study aims to educate and enlighten individuals, allowing them to form a more accurate and
nuanced understanding of the emperor and empress.

Furthermore, this study can play a crucial role in helping people gain a better understanding
or even a new perspective on the works and history of Emperor Menelik II and Empress
Taytu Betul. By delving into their achievements, challenges, and impact on Ethiopian society,
individuals can develop a deeper appreciation for their legacies and contributions. This
newfound understanding can lead to increased respect and admiration for these historical
figures, enriching the collective knowledge and appreciation of Ethiopian history.
Additionally, addressing the lack of knowledge and misconceptions about their history can
help unite Ethiopians by highlighting their shared background and history, fostering a sense
of common heritage and identity among the people.

1.4. Scope of the Study

This research study delves into the comprehensive examination of the lives, leadership, and
enduring accomplishments of Emperor Menelik II and his wife, Empress Taytu Betul. The
study covers a broad range of topics, encompassing their early lives, personal development,
rise to power, and significant contributions to Ethiopia's history.

1. Early Lives and Backgrounds: The study explores the family backgrounds, birth, and
upbringing of both Menelik II and Taytu, including their formative experiences and
education.

2. Ascension to Power: The research investigates the circumstances surrounding Menelik

II's rise to the throne and Taytu's role in supporting his reign. This section also covers the
political climate in Ethiopia during their ascension.

3. Leadership and Governance: The study examines the leadership styles and governance
strategies employed by both Menelik II and Empress Taytu. This includes an analysis of their
domestic policies, military strategies, and diplomatic relations with other nations.

4. Eternal Triumphs: This research focuses on the significant achievements of Menelik II

and Taytu, such as the Battle of Adwa, the expansion and unification of Ethiopia, and their
roles in maintaining the country's independence.

5. Legacy and Impact: The study evaluates the lasting legacies of Menelik II and Taytu on
Ethiopian society, culture, and politics. This includes an analysis of their influence on
subsequent generations and their impact on Ethiopia's standing in the global community.

1.5. Limitation of the Study

Throughout the course of our research endeavour, we encountered several noteworthy
limitations that significantly influenced the progress and outcomes of our study. One of the
primary limitations of this study on Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu is the availability
and accessibility of primary sources. Obtaining personal letters, diaries, and official records
from the period can be challenging, which hindered the research process. These sources are
essential for gaining a comprehensive understanding of their lives, achievements, and the
context in which they ruled. Furthermore, the study encountered language barriers, as many
original sources are in Amharic, the primary language of Ethiopia during that time.
Translating and interpreting these sources accurately can be time-consuming and may
require additional expertise.

Another limitation of this research is the potential for bias and subjectivity in the
interpretation of historical events and the portrayal of Menelik II and Taytu's characters.
Their legacies remain contested in Ethiopian history, and different accounts may present
varying perspectives on their actions and accomplishments. This could lead to an incomplete
or skewed understanding of their true impact on Ethiopia's development. To mitigate this
limitation, it is crucial to critically evaluate and compare multiple sources, ensuring a
balanced and impartial analysis.
The complexity and breadth of the topics covered in this study may also pose a limitation, as
the research paper may not be able to explore every aspect of Menelik II and Taytu's lives
and achievements in detail. Due to time constraints and the scope of the research, certain
areas have received less attention than others. To address this challenge, it is essential to
prioritize and focus on the most significant aspects of their lives and accomplishments,
ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded analysis within the given constraints. Despite
these limitations, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the lives and eternal
triumphs of Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu, contributing to a deeper understanding
of Ethiopian history.

1.5. Organization of the Study