The First Italo-Ethiopian War (1895-1896) was a conflict between the Kingdom of Italy and the Ethiopian Empire. Italy aimed to expand its colonial territories in Africa, particularly in the region of Eritrea, which it had already occupied. The war began when Italy attempted to assert control over Ethiopia, leading to a series of battles. The most significant battle was the Battle of Adwa in March 1896, where Ethiopian forces, led by Emperor Menelik II, decisively defeated the Italians. This victory secured Ethiopian sovereignty and marked a significant moment in African resistance against European colonialism, making Ethiopia one of the few African nations to remain independent during the Scramble for Africa.