Prevail: The Inspiring Story of Ethiopia's Victory over Mussolini's Invasion, 1935-1941

Much is known about atrocities committed by the German SS and Wehrmacht in Europe during World War II. Less but some is known about atrocities committed by Japanese forces in Asia during the same time. However, almost nothing is known about the atrocities of Benito Mussolini's Fascist Italy during the Second World War, particularly in the Italian-Ethiopian War from 1935 to 1941, an almost completely obscure and forgotten war. However, this event is brought to life in Prevail by Jeff Pearce.During 1896, Italian forces tried to conquer Ethiopia to obtain colonies for their relatively young country. The leadership at the time had ambitions to make Italy into an empire to rival other European Empires, particularly those of Britain and France. However, they were outnumbered and defeated by a united Ethiopian force. This was a major humiliation for Italy and marked the first time an African country defeated a European one in warfare. Later, when Mussolini attained power, he wanted "revenge" and redemption of Italian prestige.So, under his orders, his generals and armed forces invaded Ethiopia, a fellow member of the League of Nations. Although this invasion was largely condemned throughout the world, the League did next to nothing to help the Ethiopians as did France, the United States, and, initially Britain as well, who only acted after Italy declared war on them. Potentially effective options to hurt the Italian war effort such as banning the sale of oil to Italy or blocking shipments to their forces via the Suez Canal as well as economic sanctions were not exercised.In the meantime, Italy's forces committed mass atrocities upon the Ethiopian natives, who lacked proper military equipment and, in particular, planes. Their most effective weapons were outdated firearms as well as a few machine guns and a handful of planes in poor condition and almost no personnel to operate them. Italian planes bombarded them with mustard gas, causing mass deaths and suffering. They even bombed Red Cross shelters, which was illegal. At one point, to avenge an attempted assassination of their likely most brutal general, Rodolfo Graziani, Italian forces and their many collaborators, mostly Somalis and Eritreans as well as, to a lesser extent, Libyans, killed men, women and children indiscriminately. It is estimated that anywhere from 300,000 to a million Ethiopians died as a result of this Fascist aggression.Eventually, the Italian occupiers were driven out by Ethiopian guerilla warfare with some assistance from Britian, a fate often suffered by occupying powers.

Prevail was written by Jeff Pearce, a historian with a solid understanding of Ethiopia, and forwarded by Prof. Richard Pankhurst, a legend in Ethiopian history.Ethiopia has a history of resistance to foreign interference, and during the scramble of Africa, it handily defeated fascist Italy. King Menelik won over Italy not only guaranteed Ethiopian independence but also gave a psychological win over colonists worldwide. Mussolini, intimidated by Italy’s loss four decades earlier, launched an unprovoked attack on Ethiopia aided by inaction of League of nations. The action faces fierce resistance, but it also emboldens the axis of evils triggering the second world war.Prevail covers how the Italian forces were defeated with a detailed accounting of location, stories, resistance & eventual win. It is a long but fascinating read for anyone interested in understanding the mind of resistance in Ethiopians of today’s generation.

Great

I got a copy of this book last week. It is written in a very easy to read format and good paper quality for the eye. Personally I don't prefer very reflective paper to do long hours reading. This book already addressed this and it came in a very comfortable paper quality.I just started reading the book. I looked the contents tables and most of the major figures mentioned across the book. It has good coverage of the story.I myself from Ethiopia and know some of the Mussolini's invasion stories before, this book is one of the excellent sources to learn about Ethio-Italian war of the 1930's.

Richard Pankhurst, Ethiopia's foremost historian attest "Jeff Pearce's writings are invaluable for they describe the workings of politicians and soldiers against the backdrop of international morality and justice...a brilliant and unique study."I can see why Mr. Pankhurst was so impressed. Jeff Pearce loves the country and people of Ethiopia. He has travelled and saw the rugged terrain, the beautiful mountains that are the natural fortress of the nation, the ordinary men and women who are soldiers in war time; he met and chatted with the surviving patriots that were leading the resistance. I am grateful to Jeff Pearce for preserving this part of Ethiopia's history with such clarity and care.

I like this book, b/c it is telling me Ethiopian's story. It is very inspiring.I wish he writes another book about TPLF who started the war by killing the Ethiopian Defence Force. We all know TPLF is supported by westerners and others. We need another Ethiopia prevail story. ETHIOPIA SAYS #NoMore Neocolonialism , #NoMore fake news ...

During the long road to war, this was one of the many flashpoints on the way that set the scene for WW2 and eventually was absorbed into the wider conflict. Pearce not only tells us about how the fight went down but also the set up to the war. Of what Ethiopia was like before the war, the skill of Halie Selassie before the war as a diplomat and head of state and the details of the war itself, and what was going on in Italy at this time. Then there was the liberation of the country and what happened afterwards, including Selassie's downfall, all in rich detail.What I felt was lacking was the way the book was written, sometimes for a lack of a better word it felt "unprofessional" , perhaps it was to also attract those who are not as big of a history buff as I am!

Extremely informative, entertaining and eye opening. The author takes A piece of history that is not very widely known (but should be) and really brings it to life.

Fundamentally I found this Book has magnificent positive leverages to fill the gap between the TPLF fantasy, a chronic fake stories about my country and our Grandfather's remarkable patriotic sacrifice.I am strongly recommending for my fellows Ethiopians to read this Book.

Very interesting historical fact. It was an eye-opener and educational. It's about one poor African country that stood up against western invaders and defends its sovereignty.The writing was well-crafted. I like the fact that It slowly unravels the sequence of events that leads to the war (Adwa). It is packed with lots of surprising facts. I Loved it.

This book highlights the truth and how Ethiopia with great dignity got back their country. All atrocities revealed and the west refusal to acknowledge it. A well written account well researched by this author. I learnt a lot from this book of Ethiopia's history of the 20th century.

Have read several books on this part of Ethiopian History. This book reminded me some of the details and the price that was paid by the people. I grew up hearing about the patriots who fought during occupation, and wished I paid more attention. As the author mentioned it helps one see Hailesellase in a different light. Having also read the book on Aklilu, one wonders if these people have been fairly portrayed in recent history of the country or the current curriculum. This book is an excellent read. It puts the current situation of the country in perspective..

If you are into Horn of Africa history, this will be a good addition to your collection.