Why was the possession of the Maxim gun significant for Ethiopia in their conflict with Italy?

The significance of the possession of the Maxim gun for Ethiopia in their conflict with Italy primarily lies in the military superiority it granted the Ethiopian forces. The Maxim gun, being one of the first machine guns widely used, provided a technological advantage on the battlefield. During the First Italo-Ethiopian War (1895-1896), this weapon allowed Ethiopian forces to effectively defend against the better-equipped Italian troops.

Ethiopia's ability to utilize the Maxim gun not only bolstered their military capabilities but also played a crucial role in the decisive victory at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. This victory was a pivotal moment, contributing to Ethiopia's sovereignty and delaying Italian colonization. While the Maxim gun may have had symbolic and historical significance, its primary impact was in enabling Ethiopia to stand up against a European power, ensuring military effectiveness during a critical conflict.