Chapter 350: New Players in Africa
As the Far East Assistance Mission stayed in Dar es Salaam, significant changes were occurring on the African continent.
On May 13, 1871, the Kingdom of Italy, burdened by its immense debt, took a decisive step to repay it by venturing into colonization. An infantry division of the Italian Kingdom landed in the port of Assab on the Red Sea coast, marking the official commencement of Italy's colonial endeavors. This strategy was driven by Italy's dire financial situation, with its debt outweighing its resources.
Assab was a crucial port, strategically located on the Red Sea, making it pivotal for Italy's colonial ambitions. The Italian government quickly orchestrated the expulsion of Egyptian forces from Assab.
The defenders of Assab City from Egypt were ill-prepared to withstand an Italian division's assault. Their meager strength, a single battalion, paled in comparison to the formidable Italian force. Additionally, the Rubatino Company in the city and at the docks staged a timely rebellion, seizing control of vital facilities, including the docks, and facilitating the Royal Italian Army's landing.
The First Division of the Italian Abyssinian Expeditionary Force secured a decisive victory, wresting control of this vital stronghold from Egypt.
Upon the division's entry into Assab, Giuseppe Sapeto, the head of the Rubatino Company, personally welcomed them. He greeted General Samuel, the commander of the First Division, expressing gratitude for their support and deeming Samuel a national hero.
General Samuel, however, humbly deflected praise, emphasizing the importance of unity among Italians. He considered himself fortunate but believed that Italy's salvation depended on collective efforts to overcome the nation's challenges.
Their conversation revealed that Samuel, despite his outstanding military achievements, had been a modest and relatively unknown figure. He attributed his rapid rise to his military talents and junior high school education. Despite his commoner background, Samuel's family was financially stable, affording him the opportunity for education.
General Samuel's approach to warfare was cautious and calculated. He recognized that underestimating any opponent, even indigenous forces, could lead to costly mistakes. Drawing from his experiences in the Italian-Austrian War, he emphasized the need for prudent strategies and avoiding reckless attacks.
Giuseppe Sapeto, however, was more optimistic about Italy's prospects against Abyssinia, citing the British colonial success as an example. Samuel cautioned against complacency, highlighting the fundamental differences in objectives between the British and Italians. While the British sought to assert their dominance, Italy's goal was to secure land for its people. This essential difference meant that Italy's actions in Abyssinia could lead to a united Abyssinian resistance if not handled carefully.
Samuel stressed the need for meticulous planning to prevent the Abyssinian Empire from discovering Italy's true intentions. The Kingdom of Italy's invasion of Abyssinia was not merely for hegemony but aimed at the subjugation and annexation of the country. It was a high-stakes gamble, where Italy had bet its future fate on the outcome.
The chapter illustrated Italy's entry into African colonization, its strategic move to address its financial troubles, and the challenges and complexities associated with its invasion of Abyssinia.