Italian Colonial Empire

The Italian Colonial Empire was Italy's effort from the late 19th to early 20th century to expand its territory overseas by establishing colonies. Italy aimed to compete with other European powers by controlling regions in Africa and the Mediterranean, including Libya, Eritrea, Somalia, and parts of Ethiopia. This expansion was driven by economic interests, national prestige, and a desire for global influence. Italy's colonial rule involved both development efforts and military conquest, but it also led to conflicts, resistance, and significant impacts on local populations. The empire's influence declined after World War II, as colonies gained independence.