Africa did not kneel quietly.

The Zulu Kingdom shocked Britain with disciplined warriors.

Samori Touré fought France with strategy and fire.

The Ashanti Empire resisted again and again.

The Maji Maji Rebellion rose against German cruelty.

The Herero and Nama faced genocide for refusing submission.

And then there was Ethiopia.

In 1896, at the Battle of Adwa, African forces crushed Italian ambitions. Black soldiers defeated a European army. Africa roared with pride.

But victories were rare.

Machine guns tore through courage. Poisoned treaties stole land. Leaders were captured, exiled, or executed.

By the early 1900s, Africa was almost fully colonized.