ONE DAY IN A CENTURY

The Treaty of Wuchale, signed on May 2, 1889, between Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia and Count Pietro Antonelli of Italy, was intended to foster peace, trade, and diplomatic cooperation. With twenty articles written in both Amharic and Italian, the treaty outlined mutual rights, regional boundaries, trade agreements, and consular relations. However, a critical mistranslation in Article 17 led to a diplomatic crisis. The Amharic version allowed Ethiopia to choose whether to conduct foreign affairs through Italy, while the Italian version claimed Ethiopia was obligated to do so—implying it had become an Italian protectorate. This discrepancy led to growing tensions as Italy notified European powers of its supposed protectorate over Ethiopia. Emperor Menelik II, however, rejected this interpretation and, in 1894, formally denounced the treaty. In response, Italy launched an invasion of Ethiopia, leading to the First Italo-Ethiopian War. The conflict culminated in the historic Ethiopian victory at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, which preserved the nation’s independence and forced Italy to sign the Treaty of Addis Ababa. The Treaty of Wuchale remains a defining moment in Ethiopian resistance to colonialism.

The Battle of Manila Bay, fought on May 1, 1898, marked a pivotal moment in the Spanish–American War and in naval history. Commodore George Dewey led the American Asiatic Squadron against Rear Admiral Patricio Montojo’s Spanish fleet in Manila Bay, Philippines. The Spanish forces, though numerically strong, were ill-equipped and poorly maintained, while the Americans had modern, well-armed ships and a clear tactical advantage. In a swift and decisive confrontation, Dewey’s squadron destroyed the Spanish fleet with minimal American casualties—just one fatality due to illness and nine wounded. The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of superior gunnery, training, and seamanship. Dewey’s tactics and knowledge of Spanish defenses, aided by intelligence from U.S. consul Oscar F. Williams, allowed the U.S. to bypass mines and strike at dawn. Within hours, most of the Spanish ships were scuttled or sunk. This victory ended Spain’s naval presence in the Pacific and set the stage for U.S. occupation of the Philippines. Dewey’s triumph was celebrated across the United States and helped solidify American naval dominance at the turn of the 20th century.

Welcome to "One Day in a Century," the show that takes you on a journey through time, exploring the most significant events and figures that shaped each day of a century. From political upheavals to scientific discoveries, cultural milestones, and more, we delve deep into the stories and people that defined a particular day and the impact they had on history. Join us as we examine key events from a range of perspectives, drawing on insights from historians, scholars, and experts to provide a comprehensive understanding of the historical context and significance of each event. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about the past, our podcast offers a unique opportunity to engage with the stories and people that have shaped our world. With a new episode released each week, we offer an immersive and educational experience that is sure to captivate and inform listeners of all ages. Tune in today and discover the fascinating stories behind some of history's most pivotal moments.