Between the 17th and 20th century Africa was under European influence of

colonialism and Imperialism. The discovery of precious metals such as gold and
diamonds as well as vast resource of raw materials caused a feeding frenzy where
European countries soon began to carve up boundaries in Africa. Nations of Africa either
accepted European countries as a protectorate or some opposed them in open warfare
such as the nations of Asante, Dervishes, and the Ethiopians. Every nation eventually fell
underneath European control, all nations but one. Ethiopia was the only country to
remain independent and was able to accomplish this through successful diplomacy.
The Asante nation like many other African Nations was a prominent nation in the
central forest zone now modern day Ghana who tried to expand their influence by force
in Africa. Given several differences between the British and the Asante a military clash
between them was inevitable (Asante). The Asante wanted to establish a coastal trade
route and was not able to do so peacefully through diplomacy. Even though the Asante
had superior military numbers, the British military had superior weaponry and military
tactics which eventually caused the fall of the Asante nation and its annexation to the
British Empire. Similarly, the Dervishes tried to resolve their conflict with the British
through military actions only to suffer the same result and defeat by the British.
Successful use of Diplomacy was the key for the Ethiopians to keep their
independence and not be subjugated by European nations. Under the rule of Menelik,
Ethiopia was able to make treaties with several European Nations that promoted trade
and commerce while satisfying them with a small presence in the country. When other
nations wanted to increase their influence in Ethiopia, Menelik and his ministers were
successfully able to play one power off against another, and the emperor was able to
avoid making any substantial concessions (Menelik).
Additionally, combining diplomacy and the use of military actions with European
allies contributed to the Ethiopian autonomy. Ethiopia was able to expand its borders
and at the same time help of French when they invaded Sudan together. They then
cooperated with the British to help them put down a rebellion in British Somaliland. This
coupled with the previous victory they had against Italians gained Ethiopia new prestige
as well as general recognition of its sovereign status by the European powers (Menelik).
Even after their win against the Italians, Ethiopia allowed the Italians to keep their colony
of Eritrea and in return Italy recognized Ethiopian independence.
In conclusion, even though it may require the use of force to keep a Nations
independence, it cannot be done solely by itself. Ethiopia was able avoid European
Imperialism because they were also able to successfully employ the use of strategic
diplomacy. They created strong European allies and was able to play off other nations on
each other instead on themselves. Without these cunning tactics and politicking, Ethiopia
would have been like the other countless nations in Africa that would have been annexed
under European Imperialism.