MAA471: Armies of the Adowa Campaign 1896

Author
Sean McLachlan

Author
Raffaele Ruggeri

About this book
In the late 19th century, the new nation-state of Italy was eager to join her European neighbours in creating an international empire, and her eyes turned toward Africa as a source of potential colonies. Securing a foothold in Eritrea on the Red Sea coast, the Italians quickly became embroiled in a shooting war with the Ethiopians. The war proved a disaster for the Italians, who suffered three major defeats against the forces of Emperor Menelik’s army, including a horrendous massacre at Adowa, the largest defeat of a colonial army prior to World War I. This book looks at the campaign with an emphasis on the colourful uniforms worn by both sides.

Contents

• Historical background
• Chronology
• The campaign and battle
• Te Ethiopian Army – organization, armament, costumes, tactics, order of battle
• The Italian army – organization, armament, uniforms, tactics, orders of battle

Paperback; September 2011; 48 pages; ISBN: 9781849084574