Well Ethiopians won the the invasion of Italy at the Battle of Adwa which came to be known as Victory of Africa. According to one historian, "In an age of relentless European expansion, Ethiopia alone had successfully defended its independence" (Wikipedia). read more
She was independent in 1914 because Ethiopia fought invaders. King Menelik of Ethiopia and his warriors fought the battle of Adwa and defeated the Italian invaders whose main aim was to colonize the country. read more
Ethiopia was very well guarded by its environment and surrounding empires, which played a key role in warding off European invaders. Ethiopians were also very resistant and successful in defeating European powers. Liberia Liberia was established by the USA as a place where free slaves could travel to and establish their own government. read more
Neither Ethiopia nor Liberia remained completely independent. In 1936, Italy invaded Ethiopia and held it for five years as a colony. From its founding in 1820 until 1847, Liberia was governed as a colony by the American Colonization Society. read more