As an expert in historical studies, I can provide an in-depth analysis of the historical relationship between Ethiopia and Italy. The question of when Ethiopia was colonized by Italy is complex, as it involves a nuanced understanding of the term "colonized" and the historical context of the period in question. Ethiopia, often referred to as the "cradle of civilization" due to its ancient history and rich cultural heritage, has a unique place in African history as one of the few countries that was never formally colonized by European powers during the height of the Scramble for Africa in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period was marked by intense competition among European nations to establish control over the vast, resource-rich continent. The Scramble for Africa began in the 1880s and saw the division of the African continent among European powers. However, Ethiopia managed to maintain its independence during this time, largely due to its strong central government, a capable military, and a history of resistance to foreign invasions. The most notable instance of this resistance was the Battle of Adwa in 1896, where Ethiopian forces, under the leadership of Emperor Menelik II, decisively defeated an Italian invasion force, securing Ethiopia's independence and making it the only African country to do so. Despite Ethiopia's victory at Adwa, the country continued to face external pressures and threats from colonial powers. The reference to Yohannes IV, who ruled from 1872 until his death in 1889, is significant because during his reign, Ethiopia faced numerous challenges from both internal and external forces. Yohannes IV was instrumental in consolidating various Ethiopian territories and fending off foreign invasions, including those from Egypt and the Mahdist Sudan. The statement that Ethiopia was "occupied by Italians in 1936" refers to the period leading up to and including World War II. In 1935, under the leadership of Benito Mussolini, Italy launched a military invasion of Ethiopia. This invasion was part of Mussolini's broader strategy to establish a new Roman Empire, which he called the "Italian East Africa". The invasion was met with international condemnation and resulted in Ethiopia being occupied by Italian forces. The occupation, which lasted from 1936 until 1941, was a dark period in Ethiopian history. It was marked by widespread human rights abuses, forced labor, and the implementation of policies aimed at the cultural and economic subjugation of the Ethiopian people. However, the Ethiopian resistance, led by figures such as Haile Selassie, the Emperor at the time of the invasion, continued to fight against the Italian occupiers. In 1941, during World War II, British and Commonwealth forces, along with Ethiopian resistance fighters, successfully expelled the Italian forces from Ethiopia, restoring Ethiopian independence. This marked the end of the Italian occupation and the re-establishment of Ethiopian sovereignty. In conclusion, while Ethiopia was never formally colonized by Italy or any other European power, it did experience a period of occupation during the 1930s and early 1940s. The Ethiopian people's resistance to foreign invasion and their ultimate victory in expelling the Italian forces is a testament to their resilience and determination to maintain their independence and sovereignty. read more >>

Yohannes IV (1872-C1889) Ethiopia was never colonized by a European power, but was occupied by Italians in 1936 (see below); however, several colonial powers had interests and designs on Ethiopia in the context of the 19th century "Scramble for Africa."read more >>