Stock Photo - The Battle of Dogali, January 26, 1887. Italian Colonialism in East Africa, 19th century. Bologna, Museo Civico Del Risorgimento (Historical Museum)
This Day in History: January 26, 1887
Additional Date: January 26, 1887
The battle of Dogali was a skirmish that was part of a larger conflict between the Italians and the Ethiopians. At this time Ethiopians had the most well equipped standing army on the African continent. The Italians by contrast had only recently emerged as a unified country and, even though they showed spirit in fighting, they were not prepared in terms of manpower, equipment, intelligence and experience. This battle was to be a stunning victory for the Ethiopian forces, as they totally routed the invading Italians on 26 January 1887.