Italy's Invasions and Control of Albania and Yugoslavia: A Historical Overview

In the complex mosaic of Eastern Mediterranean history, Italy's roles in invading and controlling Albania and parts of Yugoslavia stand out as significant chapters. This article delves into Italy's actions from the early 20th century through World War II.

Pre-WWI: Early Incursions and Control

Italy's foray into Albania began before the 1920s and persisted through World War I. In 1917, Italian forces expelled the Greek army from North Epirus. This move was part of a broader strategy to assert control over the region. Between 1938 and 1941, Italy made Albania a protectorate, ruled by Mussolini's son-in-law, Count Galeazzo Ciano.

Italian Protectorate and Expansion Plans

The Italian fascists under Mussolini had grand plans to fully integrate Albania into their empire. One such plan included naming Vittorio Emanuele as King of Albania. Italy sought to turn the Albanian population against Greece by using Albanian subgroups, particularly the Chams, to establish a self-governing entity, Chamuria, which would be fully subservient to Italy and Mussolini.

Italy's ambitions were to coincide with its broader goals in the region, particularly in launching an invasion against Greece. However, these intentions were thwarted when Greece successfully repelled the Italian invasion forces in 1940-1941. When Germany intervened in the region and occupied Greece, Italy was only given the Dodecanese islands, which it held until the end of World War II.

World War I and Allied Occupation

During World War I, Italy occupied Southern Albania in 1915 to prevent Austria-Hungary, which already controlled Northern Albania, from securing the strategic port of Valona Vlora. Eventually, Italy managed to fully occupy the country until the end of the war. Post-war, Albania remained under military occupation by Italy, France, and Serbia.

In 1920, Albania became independent, but Italy continued to exert influence by keeping Valona. Internal rebellions and resistance from the Albanian population prompted Italy to abandon the port, retaining only the nearby island of Sazan.

The 1939 Invasion and Protectorate

In April 1939, Italy swiftly occupied Albania in just six days. This move prompted King Victor Emmanuel III to declare himself King of Albania, further cementing Italy's control over the country. During World War II, from 1940 to 1941, Greece briefly occupied southern Albania. In response, Italy expanded its control over Albania, including Kosovo and parts of present-day Montenegro and North Macedonia, inhabited by a majority of ethnic Albanians.

Conclusion

Italy's strategic and often aggressive actions in the Balkans during the early 20th century left a lasting impact on the region's history. The country's efforts to control and incorporate Albania and parts of Yugoslavia provide a clear insight into the complexities of Italian colonial and imperial ambitions in the Eastern Mediterranean. These events continue to shape the historical narrative of the region and are critical in understanding the modern geopolitical landscape of Southeast Europe.