The ruler of Tigré succeeded Theodore under the title of King John, and on his death, in 1889, Menelek became Emperor.
Remarks:
After this the Italians came on to the scene with ambitions in this part of Africa (see p. [74]), but Abyssinia remained an independent kingdom. In the various expeditions against the Mullah in Somaliland (1902–4) the Abyssinians co-operated with Great Britain.
THE FRANCO-GERMAN WAR
1870–1871
Belligerents:
France.
Prussia and ten other German States.
Cause:
For some years previously there had been increasing friction between France and Prussia, owing chiefly to Louis Napoleon’s apprehensions as to the possibility of closer union between Prussia and the South German states, his repeated endeavours to extend the Eastern frontier of France, and Bismarck’s counter-moves to frustrate his designs. The desire also for a united Germany was growing stronger, and Bismarck believed it could not be completed without a conflict with France.